This Bold and Raw Korean Drama Tackled Sexual Relationships — And Took the World by Surprise

Korean drama S Line has captured international attention after winning the Best Music Award at the 8th Cannes International Series Festival (Canneseries) in France.

At the closing ceremony held on April 29 (local time) in Cannes, the festival’s organizing committee honored S Line’s music director Lee Jun-oh with the award in the long-form competition category. This marks the first time in two years that a Korean drama has won at the festival — the last being Bargain, which took home Best Screenplay in 2023.

S Line, based on the webtoon of the same name, has generated buzz for its daring and mysterious concept even before its official release. The story follows a woman who suddenly acquires the surreal ability to see a red string connecting people who have had sexual relationships. While it boldly confronts the theme of sexuality, the drama has been praised for its nuanced exploration of human relationships, emotional complexity, and the weight of personal choice — making it a standout in originality.

Though it has not yet aired in Korea, S Line is already gaining traction on the global stage. The series stars Lee Soo-hyuk, Lee Da-hee, and Arin of Oh My Girl fame. Filming was completed between September and November 2023 as a fully pre-produced project. Its release date and rating have not yet been confirmed, but there is growing speculation that it will be distributed through a global streaming platform.

The win is not only a musical achievement, but also a testament to the growing creative freedom in Korean drama production. The jury was reportedly impressed by how the show handled its provocative themes through refined visual storytelling and sound design — turning potentially sensitive material into an emotionally resonant and artistically compelling narrative.

Launched in 2018, Canneseries is held every spring and has quickly become one of the most prestigious TV awards events globally, often referred to as the "Cannes of television." It showcases series from across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.

With S Line making its mark at Canneseries, it signals a new chapter for Korean dramas — moving beyond sensationalism and proving their strength in emotional depth and narrative craftsmanship on the world stage.

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