Baeksang Arts Awards Celebrate Excellence In Korean Entertainment

The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards took place on May 5, 2025, at COEX D Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, celebrating outstanding achievements in Korean television, film, and theater. The event was hosted by popular figures Shin Dong-yeop, Suzy, and Park Bo-gum, drawing significant attention from fans and media alike.

This year, the Grand Prize went to the Netflix variety show 'SNL Korea' and Hong Kyung-pyo, the cinematographer of the film 'Harbin'. The recognition of 'SNL Korea' reflects the show's impact on the entertainment landscape, while Hong's work in 'Harbin' was celebrated for its artistic merit.

In the television category, Joo Ji-hoon from 'Severe Trauma Center' and Kim Tae-ri from 'Jeongnyeoni' were awarded Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. Joo Ji-hoon expressed his gratitude to the viewers, stating, "I want to thank the audience who enjoyed and supported our work. As I have observed during the Baeksang, I deeply feel that I cannot do this alone without my colleagues." He also mentioned that he is currently filming another project, promising to return with a work that resonates with viewers.

In a notable achievement, the drama 'Exhuma' won four awards, including Best Drama and Best Screenplay for Im Sang-chun. The show's success highlights its strong narrative and production quality, earning recognition from both audiences and critics.

Meanwhile, in the film category, Jo Jung-suk from 'Pilot' and Jeon Do-yeon from 'Revolver' took home the Best Actor and Actress awards. Their performances were hailed as exemplary, further solidifying their status in the industry.

Supporting actor awards were also highly competitive. Choi Dae-hoon and Yum Hye-ran won Best Supporting Actor awards for their roles in 'Exhuma'. In film, Yoo Jae-myung from 'Land of Happiness' and Su-hyun from 'Ordinary Family' were recognized for their performances, showcasing the depth of talent across the board.

Notably, the Best New Actor awards in the television category went to Choi Young-woo from 'Daily Dose of Sunshine' and Chae Won-bin from 'Nightly Photo Studio'. In film, the honors were awarded to Jung Sung-il from 'Jeon, Ran' and Noh Yoon-seo from 'Secret Garden'. These emerging talents reflect the future of the Korean entertainment industry.

The event also featured the PRIZM Popularity Award, which was won by Byun Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon from 'Lovely Runner'. This award, determined by fan votes, underscores the importance of audience engagement in the industry.

Furthermore, the GUCCI IMPACT Award was presented to the film 'Dawn is Breaking', highlighting its significant contribution to the cinematic landscape. The recognition of this film aligns with the growing trend of socially impactful storytelling in cinema.

The awards ceremony also celebrated achievements in theater, with the Young Theater Award going to Gongnolie Klebb for 'Marronnier High School and Revengeful Ah-Hyang Lipstick'. The recognition of theater productions at the Baeksang Arts Awards emphasizes the diverse talents within the performing arts.

In addition to the main awards, several other categories were recognized, including the Best Director award, which went to Oh Seung-wook for 'Revolver', and the Best Screenplay award for the film 'Jeon, Ran', awarded to Shin Cheol and Park Chan-wook. These awards reflect the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the importance of strong leadership in production.

The ceremony concluded with a special performance by Yum Hye-ran, captivating the audience and adding a memorable touch to the evening. The event was not just a celebration of artistic excellence but also a moment for the community to come together and recognize the hard work of all involved in the industry.

As the night wrapped up, it was clear that the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards had not only honored the best in entertainment but also set the stage for future talents and productions to shine. With a mix of established stars and rising newcomers, the event showcased the vibrant and evolving landscape of Korean arts and culture.