Alden Richards —Screengrab from SBS
Alden Richards bagged the Asian Star Prize (male category) at the recent 14th Seoul International Drama Awards 2019.
Alden received the award from Korean actor Seo Ji-suk and Canadian actress Andrea Bang in a ceremony held in Seoul, South Korea, on Aug. 28.
He read his speech from his phone and shared how special the award was for him.
“Good evening. It is such an honor to receive this award … for a Filipino to be recognized on [the] international scene among the amazing and talented artists here,” he said. “This award is also extra special to me because it comes at a time when we are celebrating 70 years of friendship between the Philippines and Korea.”
It can be recalled that the Philippines was one of the first nations to send aid to South Korea during the Korean war.
Alden continued his speech by thanking the award-giving body.
“So thank you to the Seoul Drama Awards Committee, to the Korean Broadcasters Association. As actors, it is always our hope to make more people happy and inspire them with our passion. Kamsahamnida!”
There are two winners of the Asian Star Prize. Aside from Alden, the other winner this year is Japanese actor Miura Haruma.
Dennis Trillo was the first Filipino to win the award two years ago.
The Seoul International Drama Awards is South Korea’s only international television festival. The award-giving body recognizes excellence in global dramas.