The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, a prestigious event in South Korea's entertainment industry, concluded on May 5, 2025, with a live broadcast that captivated audiences worldwide. The ceremony, which reached a cumulative viewership of 3.8 million, marked a significant increase from last year's 2.7 million, showcasing the growing global interest in Korean culture.
This year's Grand Prize was awarded to the Netflix culinary competition series "Black and White Chef: Culinary Class War," a groundbreaking achievement as it is the first variety show to win this prestigious award. The show, which captured the attention of viewers not only in Korea but globally, was praised for its engaging content and cultural impact. The judging panel, composed of industry experts, noted that the show generated significant discussions worldwide, highlighting the influence of culinary entertainment.
Choi Young-woo, a member of the judging panel, remarked, "The best program content last year was undoubtedly 'Black and White Chef: Culinary Class War.' It has sparked global conversations and demonstrated the power of culinary entertainment to connect with diverse audiences. This program appeals to various age groups and has attracted a large international viewership, making a substantial cultural impact."
In the realm of television dramas, "The Good Bad Mother" earned the title of Best Television Drama. The series, which aired in March 2025, received overwhelming support from the judging panel, securing multiple awards including Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor for Choi Dae-sung, and Best Supporting Actress for Yeom Hye-ran. The panel praised the show for its exceptional storytelling and character development, which resonated deeply with audiences.
Joo Ji-hoon and Kim Tae-ri were honored with the Best Actor and Actress awards, respectively, for their outstanding performances in their respective roles. Ji-hoon’s portrayal in "Emergency Center" was particularly noted for its depth and intensity, while Tae-ri's role in "Jeong Nyeon" showcased her versatile acting skills. The competition for these awards was fierce, with both actors emerging as clear favorites among the judges.
During the ceremony, the judges highlighted the importance of these awards in recognizing not only individual talent but also the collaborative efforts of the entire production team. "These awards celebrate the collective achievements of everyone involved in creating remarkable content that resonates with viewers," said judging panel chairperson Jeong Deok-hyun.
The Baeksang Arts Awards, which began in 1965, is renowned for its recognition of excellence across various fields, including television, film, and theater. This year, a total of 33 awards were presented, including the Gucci Impact Awards and the Prism Popularity Award, reflecting the event's commitment to honoring outstanding contributions in the arts.
The Prism Popularity Award, which garnered significant attention this year, received over 22.2 million votes between April 23 and May 2, doubling the previous year's total. Byun Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon from the series "Running Away with the Sun" were the recipients of this award, showcasing their popularity among fans.
As the ceremony unfolded, the judges expressed their admiration for the emerging talent within the industry. Choi Young-woo and Kim Hye-yoon were awarded Best New Actor and Actress, respectively, with Young-woo's performance in "The Queen Woo" earning him unanimous praise. The judges noted that his ability to portray complex characters with authenticity set him apart as a rising star in the industry.
Kim Hye-yoon, recognized for her work in "Another Record," impressed the panel with her natural acting ability, which shone through in her performances. "Her ability to convey a range of emotions with subtlety is commendable, making her a standout among her peers," commented one judge.
The event was not only a celebration of talent but also a showcase of the evolving landscape of Korean entertainment, with many productions pushing creative boundaries and exploring new narratives. The judging panel noted that this year's nominees reflected a diverse array of stories and genres, illustrating the richness of Korean culture.
As the awards concluded, the anticipation for next year's ceremony began to build. The Baeksang Arts Awards continue to serve as a platform for recognizing excellence in the arts, inspiring both established and emerging artists to strive for greatness in their craft.
The live broadcast of the event utilized advanced technology, including AI translation services, to ensure that audiences around the world could engage with the ceremony in real-time. This commitment to accessibility further highlights the awards' dedication to reaching a global audience and fostering cross-cultural connections.
In summary, the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards celebrated the exceptional talent and creativity within South Korea's entertainment industry, marking a year of significant achievements and setting the stage for future innovations. As fans eagerly await the next installment of this prestigious event, the impact of this year's winners will undoubtedly resonate across the globe.
