Despite ongoing controversies, Queen of Tears, a popular K-drama starring Kim Soo Hyun, has secured the prestigious title of ‘K-Drama Series of the Year’ at the 6th VP Choice Awards. This win comes amidst heated speculation surrounding Kim Soo Hyun’s alleged relationship with his late co-star Kim Sae Ron. The rumors, intensified by her tragic death in February 2025, include claims that they had a romantic involvement while she was still a minor. Leaked images and videos allegedly supporting this theory were circulated by the Garosero Research Institute. Nonetheless, the drama’s success has not been overshadowed, and it continues to garner widespread acclaim.
Amidst the negative publicity, the focus shifted back to the achievements of Queen of Tears as it was officially announced as the winner in its category. The series stood out among a competitive lineup that included Lovely Runner, Love in the Big City, Family By Choice, Judge From Hell, and Marry My Husband. The award reaffirms the show’s popularity and impact despite the turbulent personal news surrounding its lead actor. The recognition at the VP Choice Awards, which celebrate viewer preferences across Asia, reflects the drama’s powerful storytelling and widespread viewer engagement.
In addition to the main award, the lead pair of the drama—Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won—were also honored as the ‘K-Drama Couple of the Year’. Their on-screen chemistry was a highlight of the show and sparked rumors of an off-screen romance. However, such claims were later dismissed, and both actors maintained that their relationship was strictly professional. The duo beat out several other popular pairs in the nomination list, including Byeon Woo Seok & Kim Hye Yoon, and Park Min Young & Na In Woo, underscoring their strong fan support.
Fans of the show and of Kim Soo Hyun took to social media platforms like Threads and X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the wins. One user expressed pride by highlighting how the award recognized the emotional resonance and impact of the drama. Another post praised the fan-driven nature of the VP Choice Awards and reiterated support for Kim Soo Hyun, using hashtags like #WeStandWithKimSooHyun to show solidarity during his challenging times. These reactions demonstrate how fan communities can influence and uplift a star’s career amid controversy.
Aside from the Queen of Tears accolades, the 6th VP Choice Awards featured a variety of winners in other television categories. GMA Network bagged the ‘TV Station of the Year’ title, while Vice Ganda took home ‘TV Host of the Year’. In primetime television, Linlang emerged as the ‘TV Series of the Year’, with Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu winning Best Actor and Actress respectively. Daytime shows, breakthrough stars, and BL series were also honored, showcasing the diversity of content celebrated by the awards.
The VP Choice Awards continue to be a significant barometer for public sentiment in the entertainment industry across the Philippines and Asia. While Kim Soo Hyun’s personal life has been under intense scrutiny, his professional accomplishments, particularly through Queen of Tears, remain celebrated. The drama’s ability to rise above scandal and still resonate with audiences is a testament to the strength of the production and the loyalty of its fanbase. Despite the ongoing controversies, the awards signal a triumph of art and performance over personal drama.