The South Korean entertainment world is abuzz as the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards approaches, and all eyes are on the blockbuster film King and the Living Man. The official nominees, announced on April 13, 2026, have set the stage for a dramatic showdown, with King and the Living Man emerging as a major contender after nabbing seven nominations, tying with Can’t Help It for the most nods in the film category, according to Singles and other outlets.
The film’s astonishing success at the box office—surpassing 16 million cumulative viewers—has made it the second highest-grossing Korean movie of all time, as reported by Sports Today, MediaPen, and Sports Seoul. This milestone has turned King and the Living Man into a cultural phenomenon, and its stars into household names. The Baeksang Arts Awards ceremony itself is set for May 8, 2026, at 7:50 PM at COEX D Hall in Seoul’s Gangnam district, and will be broadcast live on JTBC, ensuring that fans across the nation can tune in.
Among the most talked-about nominees are Yoo Hae-jin, up for Best Actor, and Park Ji-hoon, a candidate for Best New Actor. Their joint nominations have fueled speculation about the possibility of a dual win—a scenario that has fans and industry insiders alike eagerly awaiting the awards night. As Singles noted, "Both actors are considered strong contenders in their respective categories, raising anticipation about whether they will stand side by side with trophies in hand."
Park Ji-hoon, in particular, has captured the public’s imagination. Not only has he made waves as an actor, but his recent feature in the May 2026 issue of Singles magazine (also gracing the cover of the Japanese edition) has further cemented his status as an all-around entertainment icon. The magazine’s photoshoot, released on April 15, showcases Park’s versatility—he models modern reinterpretations of Hanbok with a captivating blend of boyish charm and mature masculinity, as captured in four distinct cover images. According to Sports Seoul, Park’s "broad spectrum from youthful innocence to masculine allure" perfectly reflects his ambition to display "his own color."
In an interview accompanying the photoshoot, Park spoke candidly about the extraordinary success of King and the Living Man. "I never expected to receive this much love," he admitted. "When I choose a project, the most important thing is what feelings I can convey to the audience and what lingering impression I can leave." He went on to describe the film as particularly meaningful: "I cried a lot during filming and poured all my energy into it, so it’s very special to me. It was also significant because I could work with such great people. That’s why I’m so grateful for all the love it’s received."
Park’s performance as Danjong, a role that demanded emotional depth and subtlety, has drawn widespread praise. When asked about his much-lauded expressive eyes, Park responded with characteristic humility and humor: "I can only thank my parents." His ability to convey complex emotions with a single look has become something of a signature, further boosting his reputation as a rising star in Korean cinema.
Beyond his acting achievements, Park Ji-hoon’s career is enjoying a renaissance on multiple fronts. After a seven-year hiatus, he reunited with the beloved boy band Wanna One, thrilling fans with new music and the reality show Wanna One Go: Back to Base. Reflecting on the reunion, Park shared, "I really missed the members and wanted to show fans a good side of us again, so I decided to participate." He confessed to initial nerves about whether the group’s old chemistry would still be there, but those worries quickly vanished: "As soon as we met, we laughed so hard our stomachs hurt. The teamwork was just like before."
Park’s gratitude toward his supporters shines through in every interview. "If it weren’t for the fans who have supported me without hesitation, I wouldn’t be where I am now," he said. "I want to keep honing what only Park Ji-hoon can show and continue to express my own unique color." This message, delivered with warmth and sincerity, resonates with the legions of fans who have followed his journey from idol stardom to acclaimed actor.
The Singles magazine spread has been widely praised for capturing Park’s evolving image. In the photos, he dons classic white shirts and wide pants for a refined silhouette, while sheer fabrics evoke a dreamy, almost ethereal mood. Black-and-white close-ups focus on his gaze, highlighting the emotional range that has become his hallmark. As Sports Seoul described, "His eyes alone tell a story, proving his sensitivity as an actor."
Park Ji-hoon’s schedule remains packed. On April 29, he’s set to release his first single album, RE:FLECT, marking his official return as a solo artist. And just days after the Baeksang Awards, on May 11, he’ll star as Kang Sung-jae in the TVING original drama Becoming a Cooking Legend. The series follows Private Kang Sung-jae as he revolutionizes the military kitchen, promising a blend of culinary adventure and heartfelt storytelling—a perfect fit for Park’s growing repertoire.
Meanwhile, the excitement surrounding the Baeksang Arts Awards continues to build. With King and the Living Man leading the pack in nominations and Park Ji-hoon riding a wave of professional momentum, the ceremony promises to be a defining moment. The possibility of Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon both taking home acting honors only adds to the anticipation.
For fans eager to dive deeper, Park Ji-hoon’s full interview, exclusive photos, and digital content are available in the May 2026 issue of Singles magazine and on the official website. As the countdown to the Baeksang Arts Awards continues, one thing is clear: Park Ji-hoon’s star is only getting brighter, and the impact of King and the Living Man is being felt across the industry.
With a historic film, a celebrated music comeback, and a new drama on the horizon, Park Ji-hoon stands at the intersection of past achievement and future promise—an all-rounder whose journey is far from over.