The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards took place on May 5, 2025, at 8 PM in COEX D Hall, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, showcasing the best in South Korea's broadcasting, film, and theater. Hosted by the dynamic trio of Shin Dong-yup, Suzy, and Park Bo-gum, the ceremony celebrated artistic achievements from the second half of 2024 and the first half of 2025.
With a theme of 'Enjoy, Hanghae,' the awards aimed to highlight the evolution of popular culture and the arts, promoting a spirit of growth and exploration in the industry. This year marked a significant milestone as the awards transitioned from the traditional TV category to a broader broadcasting category, reflecting the changing landscape of media.
Leading the nominations was the drama 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' which received an impressive eight nominations. The creative team behind the show, including writer Moon Ji-won and director Kim Hee-won, were recognized for their contributions. Notably, Park Bo-gum and IU, both nominated for Best Actor and Actress, reunited on stage, drawing attention from fans and media alike.
In the broadcasting category, the nominees for Best Actor included Park Bo-gum from 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' Joo Ji-hoon from 'Daily Dose of Sunshine,' Byun Woo-seok from 'Sun Jae Upseok,' Lee Joon-hyuk from 'Good or Bad Dongjae,' and Han Seok-kyu from 'Taxi Driver.' For Best Actress, the nominees were Go Min-si from 'In the Forest of No Return,' Kim Tae-ri from 'Jeongnyeoni,' Kim Hye-yoon from 'Sun Jae Upseok,' IU, and Jang Na-ra from 'My Happy Ending.'
Additionally, the Best New Actor category featured rising stars such as Choi Young-woo from 'Unlock My Boss,' Song Geon-hee from 'Sun Jae Upseok,' Jo Yoon-soo from 'The Escape,' Chae Won-bin from 'Taxi Driver,' and Ha Young from 'Daily Dose of Sunshine.'
The film category also showcased strong contenders, with 'The City of Love,' 'Revelber,' 'Jeon, Ran,' and 'Hallowin' nominated for Best Picture. In the Best Actor category, nominees included Yoon Joo-sang from 'Morning Comes to the Mental Ward Too,' Lee Byung-heon from 'The Kidnapping,' Lee Hee-joon from 'Honey Sweet,' Jo Jung-seok from 'Pilot,' and Hyun Bin from 'Hallowin.'
For Best Actress in film, the nominees were Kim Go-eun from 'The City of Love,' Kim Geum-soon from 'Jeongsun,' Song Hye-kyo from 'The Eunseon Girls,' Jeon Do-yeon from 'Revelber,' and Jo Yeo-jeong from 'Hidden Face.'
One of the highlights of the evening was the 'Gucci Impact Award,' which recognizes works that contribute to social equity and community development. This year, the award continued its theme of 'A Journey Towards Hope,' aligning with the overarching message of the Baeksang Arts Awards.
Among the notable attendees was Kim Tae-ri, who previously won the Best Actress award in the TV category at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards and was expected to compete for another trophy three years later. Jang Na-ra, who won her first acting award with 'My Happy Ending,' was also in attendance, nominated for Best Actress.
The event drew a remarkable turnout, with a high attendance rate from nominees and industry figures, showcasing the awards' significance in the cultural landscape. The gathering included the teams behind 'Sun Jae Upseok,' featuring writer Lee Si-eun and actors Byun Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon, all eager to celebrate their nominations.
In addition to the nominees, the event also welcomed newcomers like Noh Sang-hyun, making his first appearance at the Baeksang Arts Awards, and Chun Woo-hee, who confirmed her attendance for the film 'Revelber.' The presence of established stars such as Hyun Bin, who has been recognized for his work in 'Hallowin,' added to the star-studded atmosphere.
As the awards ceremony unfolded, the excitement was palpable, with the audience eager to see who would take home the coveted trophies. The diversity of nominees, spanning various genres and platforms, underscored the thriving nature of the South Korean entertainment industry.
With the ceremony broadcast live across multiple platforms, including JTBC, JTBC2, and JTBC4, as well as digital streaming on Naver TV and Chiji Jik, the Baeksang Arts Awards reached audiences far and wide, celebrating the achievements of the past year.
In a pre-ceremony statement, the Baeksang Arts Awards organizers addressed concerns regarding the 'Prism Popularity Award' voting process, which faced scrutiny over alleged irregularities. They reassured the public of their commitment to fairness and reliability, emphasizing their strict operational policies.
The Baeksang Arts Awards, established in 1965, has played a pivotal role in promoting the development of Korean popular culture and arts, recognizing excellence among artists across various mediums. As the night progressed, the anticipation of winners added to the celebratory atmosphere, marking another successful year for the prestigious awards.
