Seoul, South Korea – The grand stage was set on May 8 for the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards, an evening that brought together the luminaries of South Korean entertainment. Held in Seoul, this prestigious ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements across cinema, television, variety, and theatre, and notably, marked a historic expansion with the formal introduction of a dedicated Musical Division. Organized by HLL JoongAng and supported by Gucci for the fourth consecutive year, the four-hour gala was broadcast live on JTBC and simultaneously streamed on Naver, allowing a global audience to witness the industry’s finest being honored. The familiar faces of Shin Dong-yup, Bae Suzy, and Park Bo-gum returned to host the event for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year, their seasoned presence adding a layer of continuity and charm to the night’s proceedings.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Baeksang Arts Awards’ Enduring Significance
Established in 1964, the Baeksang Arts Awards stands as one of South Korea’s most revered entertainment accolades, often referred to as the "Golden Globes of Korea" due to its comprehensive scope spanning both film and television. Unlike other major awards that focus solely on one medium, Baeksang’s dual recognition across cinema and broadcast has solidified its reputation as a holistic barometer of the nation’s cultural output. Over its six-decade history, the awards have consistently highlighted emerging talents and celebrated veteran artists, reflecting the dynamic evolution of Korean storytelling. The continued partnership with luxury brand Gucci underscores the event’s growing international prominence and its connection to global cultural influence, mirroring the worldwide surge in popularity of K-content. The consistent return of its hosting trio—Shin Dong-yup, a veteran comedian and host; Bae Suzy, a beloved actress and former idol; and Park Bo-gum, a charismatic actor—has become a cherished tradition, contributing to the ceremony’s warm and familiar atmosphere.
Veteran Powerhouses Claim Top Honors
The evening’s most coveted prizes, the Daesangs (Grand Prizes), were bestowed upon two seasoned actors, underscoring the industry’s deep respect for enduring talent and impactful performances. In the film category, Yoo Hae-jin received the Film Daesang for his compelling portrayal in "The King’s Warden." Known for his exceptional versatility and ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles, Yoo Hae-jin’s win was widely applauded by critics and peers alike, cementing his status as one of South Korea’s most respected actors. "The King’s Warden" proved to be a dominant force throughout the night, also securing the prestigious Gucci Impact Award—a testament to its significant cultural or social resonance—and earning Park Ji-hoon the Best New Actor award, who further demonstrated his burgeoning popularity by also clinching the Naver Popularity Award for Male.
The Broadcast Daesang was awarded to Ryu Seung-ryong for his transformative performance in "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim." Ryu Seung-ryong, celebrated for his extensive filmography that includes blockbusters and critically acclaimed dramas, delivered a performance that resonated deeply with viewers and critics. His win highlighted the nuanced depth and broad appeal of the television series, which also saw Yoo Seung-mok recognized as Best Supporting Actor, further solidifying its critical success. These two Daesang winners represent the pinnacle of acting prowess in their respective fields, their decades of dedication culminating in this ultimate recognition.
Cinematic Achievements: A Diverse Tapestry of Korean Film
The film category showcased a vibrant array of Korean cinematic artistry, from intricate thrillers to poignant dramas. Park Chan-wook’s "No Other Choice" was crowned Best Film, adding another significant accolade to the celebrated director’s illustrious career. Known for his distinctive visual style and complex narratives, Park Chan-wook’s latest work was praised for its innovative storytelling and artistic execution. The film also garnered Best Supporting Actor for Lee Sung-min, whose performance added critical depth to the ensemble.
Yoon Ga-eun was honored with Best Director for "The World of Love," a film lauded for its sensitive portrayal of human relationships and its profound emotional impact. The critical acclaim for "The World of Love" extended to its cast, with Seo Su-bin earning the Best New Actress award, signaling her as a promising talent to watch. This recognition for both director and a new actress underscored the film’s success in capturing nuanced performances under skillful direction.
The award for Best Screenplay went to Byun Sung-hyun and Lee Jin-seong for "Good News," a nod to their exceptional writing that captivated audiences and critics alike. In the acting categories, Park Jeong-min took home Best Actor for his role in "The Ugly," while Moon Ga-young was recognized as Best Actress for "Once We Were Us." These wins celebrated their powerful and memorable performances that left a lasting impression. Shin Se-kyung received Best Supporting Actress for her work in "Humint," further illustrating the breadth of talent recognized across various roles. The Best New Director award went to Park Joon-ho for "3670," indicating fresh perspectives entering the film industry, while Technical Achievement in film was awarded to Lee Min-hwi for "Pavane."
Broadcast Highlights: Dramas That Captivated the Nation
The television landscape in South Korea continues to be a global powerhouse, and the Baeksang Arts Awards celebrated the dramas and artists that captivated millions. "You and Everything Else" was honored as Best Drama, a testament to its compelling narrative and high production quality. The series also secured Best Screenplay for Song Hye-jin, highlighting the strength of its storytelling.
"Our Unwritten Seoul" also had a strong showing, with Park Shin-woo recognized as Best Director for his masterful guidance of the series, and the immensely popular Park Bo-young claiming Best Actress for her nuanced and heartfelt performance. Her portrayal resonated widely, solidifying her status as a leading lady in the drama world.
One of the night’s most talked-about moments came when Hyun Bin won Best Actor for the Disney+ series "Made in Korea." His acceptance speech quickly went viral, not only for its sincerity but for his heartfelt dedication to his wife, actress Son Ye-jin, who was visibly emotional in the audience, filming him on her phone, and their son. His public expression of gratitude for their unwavering support during filming and his declaration of love resonated deeply with fans globally, adding a personal touch to the formal proceedings and becoming a trending topic across social media platforms. This win also highlighted the growing influence of global streaming platforms like Disney+ in the Korean content landscape.
Further broadcast accolades included Lim Soo-jung winning Best Supporting Actress for "Low Life," recognized for her powerful and memorable performance. The Best New Actor and Actress prizes in the broadcast division went to Lee Chae-min for "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" and Bang Hyo-rin for "Aema," respectively, signaling the arrival of promising new faces in television. Technical Achievement in broadcast was awarded to Kang Seung-won for his exceptional music composition on "The Seasons," demonstrating the critical role of sound in enhancing viewer experience.
Celebrating Entertainment and Variety
Beyond scripted content, the Baeksang Arts Awards also recognized the vibrant and influential world of variety and entertainment. Kian84, a popular webtoon artist and television personality, was named Best Male Entertainer, a recognition of his unique appeal and significant contributions to numerous popular programs. Lee Su-ji earned Best Female Entertainer for the second consecutive year, a remarkable achievement that underscores her consistent comedic talent and popularity.
"The Wonder Coach" was awarded Best Variety Show, celebrated for its engaging format and entertainment value. "Our Shining Days" received Best Educational Programme, acknowledging its significant impact in informing and inspiring viewers. The public’s voice was heard through the Naver Popularity Awards, which went to Park Ji-hoon and Lim YoonA, two stars whose broad appeal and fan engagement continue to set them apart.
A Historic Expansion: The Dawn of the Musical Division
Perhaps the most significant development of the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards was the formal introduction of a Musical Division. This historic move, undertaken in partnership with the Korea Musical Theatre Association, was a direct recognition of the 60th anniversary of Korean musical theatre and its burgeoning influence within the broader performing arts landscape. For decades, the Baeksang Awards have championed film, television, and theatre, but the inclusion of musicals marks a crucial step in acknowledging the genre’s artistic merit, commercial success, and growing global fanbase. It elevates musical theatre to the same prestigious platform as its cinematic and broadcast counterparts, offering long-overdue recognition to its dedicated artists and innovative productions.
The inaugural musical awards celebrated the genre’s finest. "Arang" was named Best Musical, a testament to its compelling narrative and captivating performances. Kim Jun-su, a celebrated musical actor and K-pop idol, received Best Performer in Musical for his role in "Beetlejuice," highlighting his powerful stage presence and vocal talent. The Creative Achievement award went to Seo Byung-goo for his outstanding choreography in "Evita," recognizing the intricate and essential role of movement in musical storytelling. This new division is expected to invigorate the musical theatre industry, attracting more talent and investment, and further solidifying South Korea’s reputation as a hub for diverse and high-quality performing arts.
The Enduring Power of Theatre
While often overshadowed by the larger film and broadcast industries, the Baeksang Arts Awards maintained its commitment to live theatre, recognizing its foundational role in Korean performing arts. "Jellyfish" was awarded Best Theatre, celebrating its artistic excellence and powerful staging. The Baeksang Young Theatre award, designed to encourage emerging talent and innovative productions, went to Theatre Company Tank of Fire for their work on "Tank of Fire," acknowledging their fresh perspectives and contributions. Kim Sin-rok, a formidable stage actress, was named Best Performer for her role in "Prima Facie," recognized for her intense and captivating portrayal.
A Broad Celebration of Korean Arts
The 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards will be remembered as a landmark event in the history of Korean performing arts. Beyond the individual triumphs of Yoo Hae-jin, Ryu Seung-ryong, Park Bo-young, Hyun Bin, and Park Ji-hoon, the ceremony’s expansion into musicals underscored its evolving role as the most comprehensive annual celebration of South Korean artistic endeavor. The diverse range of winners across all categories, from established veterans to promising newcomers, reflected the vibrant health and innovative spirit of the industry. As K-content continues its global ascent, events like the Baeksang Arts Awards play a crucial role in showcasing the depth and breadth of talent that drives this cultural phenomenon, affirming its position as a cornerstone event in the international entertainment calendar.
Full Winners List
Broadcast
- Grand Prize: Ryu Seung-ryong, “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim”
- Best Drama: “You and Everything Else”
- Best Director: Park Shin-woo, “Our Unwritten Seoul”
- Best Screenplay: Song Hye-jin, “You and Everything Else”
- Best Actor: Hyun Bin, “Made in Korea”
- Best Actress: Park Bo-young, “Our Unwritten Seoul”
- Best Supporting Actor: Yoo Seung-mok, “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim”
- Best Supporting Actress: Lim Soo-jung, “Low Life”
- Best New Actor: Lee Chae-min, “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty”
- Best New Actress: Bang Hyo-rin, “Aema”
- Technical Achievement: Kang Seung-won, “The Seasons” (Music)
Film
- Grand Prize: Yoo Hae-jin, “The King’s Warden”
- Best Film: “No Other Choice”
- Best Director: Yoon Ga-eun, “The World of Love”
- Best Screenplay: Byun Sung-hyun and Lee Jin-seong, “Good News”
- Best Actor: Park Jeong-min, “The Ugly”
- Best Actress: Moon Ga-young, “Once We Were Us”
- Best Supporting Actor: Lee Sung-min, “No Other Choice”
- Best Supporting Actress: Shin Se-kyung, “Humint”
- Best New Actor: Park Ji-hoon, “The King’s Warden”
- Best New Actress: Seo Su-bin, “The World of Love”
- Best New Director: Park Joon-ho, “3670”
- Technical Achievement: Lee Min-hwi, “Pavane”
- Gucci Impact Award: “The King’s Warden”
Entertainment and Variety
- Best Male Entertainer: Kian84
- Best Female Entertainer: Lee Su-ji
- Best Educational Programme: “Our Shining Days”
- Best Variety Show: “The Wonder Coach”
- Popularity Awards: Park Ji-hoon, Lim YoonA
Theatre
- Best Theatre: “Jellyfish”
- Baeksang Young Theatre: Theatre Company Tank of Fire, “Tank of Fire”
- Best Performer: Kim Sin-rok, “Prima Facie”
Musical
- Best Musical: “Arang”
- Best Performer: Kim Jun-su, “Beetlejuice”
- Creative Achievement: Seo Byung-goo, choreography for “Evita”
