61st Baeksang Arts Awards Nominees Announced

On April 7, 2025, the Baeksang Arts Awards Secretariat announced the nominees for the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, a prestigious event in South Korea that recognizes excellence in broadcasting, film, and theater. This year, the awards have expanded their categories to reflect the evolving landscape of content consumption, including nominees from traditional broadcasters, cable networks, and streaming platforms.

This year's ceremony will take place on May 5, 2025, at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and will be broadcast live simultaneously on JTBC, JTBC2, and JTBC4. The judging period for the nominations spans from April 2023 to March 2024, showcasing works that have made a significant impact in the Korean entertainment industry.

Among the most notable nominees in the TV drama category is Netflix's "The Kidnapping Day," which received an impressive eight nominations. These include Best Drama, Best Director for Kim Won-seok, Best Screenplay for Kim Eun-hee, and acting nominations for Park Bo-gum and IU. The series has garnered attention for its gripping narrative and high production quality, making it a strong contender for the top awards.

Other nominees in the drama category include tvN's "Unlock the Boss," JTBC's "Queen of Divorce," MBC's "My Dearest," and Netflix's "A Killer Paradox." Each of these series has been praised for its unique storytelling and production value. "Unlock the Boss" is noted for its emotional depth and visual beauty, while "Queen of Divorce" has captivated audiences with its strong characters and compelling direction. "My Dearest" has been recognized as a psychological drama that delicately explores the complexities of human relationships, and "A Killer Paradox" has been lauded for its realistic portrayal of the medical field.

In addition to the drama nominees, the educational category features Wavve's "Modern Family," which has also received acclaim for its innovative approach to storytelling. This five-part documentary, which premiered on June 28, 2024, explores the concept of new family structures in contemporary society, showcasing perspectives from various groups, including the first openly lesbian family in Korea and a gay couple with a significant YouTube following. The documentary has sparked discussions and garnered praise from both audiences and critics alike.

Director Kim Hee-won of Disney+'s original series "Lighting Shop" has also made waves this year by being nominated for Best Director. This series is based on the works of Kang Full, a celebrated writer whose previous series "Moving" became a global sensation. "Lighting Shop" has achieved remarkable viewership numbers, becoming one of the most-watched Korean original series on Disney+ shortly after its release.

Rookie actress Jo Yoon-soo, who made a strong impression in "The Tyrant," has been nominated for Best New Actress. Her performance as a technician involved in high-stakes action sequences has captured the attention of both critics and audiences, marking her as a rising star in the industry.

Notably, Netflix's "The Kidnapping Day" is not the only series to dominate the nominations this year. The platform's "The Kidnapping Day" and "The Kidnapping Day" have each been recognized for their innovative content and storytelling, reflecting the growing influence of streaming services in the Korean entertainment landscape.

The Baeksang Arts Awards have historically recognized excellence across various forms of media, and this year is no different. The awards aim to highlight the achievements of creators and performers who have made significant contributions to the industry. This year's nominees reflect a diverse range of genres, including drama, comedy, and documentary, showcasing the breadth of talent present in the Korean entertainment scene.

As the awards ceremony approaches, anticipation is building among fans and industry professionals alike. The event not only celebrates the accomplishments of the past year but also sets the stage for the future of Korean entertainment. With the increasing prominence of streaming platforms and the rise of new talent, the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards promises to be a memorable occasion that showcases the best of what the industry has to offer.

In addition to the drama and educational categories, the entertainment category has also seen fierce competition. Nominees for the Best Entertainment Program include tvN's "Unexpected Business," Mnet's "Street Fighter," and Netflix's "Paik's Spirit." Each of these programs has captivated audiences with their unique formats and engaging content.

As the Baeksang Arts Awards continue to adapt to the changing media landscape, they remain a vital platform for recognizing and celebrating the achievements of creators and performers in Korea. With a focus on innovation and diversity, the awards are poised to highlight the best in entertainment, paving the way for future successes in the industry.

As the ceremony draws near, all eyes will be on the nominees as they await the announcement of who will take home the coveted Baeksang trophy. This year's awards are not just about recognizing past achievements; they are also about inspiring future generations of creators to push boundaries and explore new storytelling possibilities.