On May 5, 2025, the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards made a dazzling return to Seoul, celebrating the best in Korean television and film. The ceremony took place at the COEX Hall D, showcasing a star-studded lineup that included prominent figures such as Hyun Bin, Byun Woo-seok, Jung Hae-in, Park Bo-gum, Song Hye-kyo, and IU. The event was hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Bae Suzy, and Park Bo-gum, who kept the audience engaged throughout the night.
This year, the competition was fierce, especially in the acting categories. Joo Ji-hoon emerged as the Best Actor for his role in the Netflix drama The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call. He triumphed over notable nominees including Park Bo-gum for When Life Gives You Tangerines, Byun Woo-seok for Lovely Runner, Lee Dong-hwi for Good or Bad Dong Jae, and Han Suk-kyu for Delusion. In his acceptance speech, Joo Ji-hoon expressed heartfelt gratitude to the audience, saying, "Thank you very much for supporting our drama. As I have traveled along this path, I have come to realize that acting cannot be accomplished alone. Everyone here is my partner, and I will return with even more interesting works." His emotional tribute to the team behind The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call resonated deeply with attendees.
Kim Tae-ri was awarded Best Actress for her performance in Jeong Nyeon, marking her second victory at the Baeksang Awards after winning for Twenty-Five Twenty-One. She faced stiff competition, notably defeating IU, who was nominated for her role in My Mister. In a humble acceptance speech, Kim Tae-ri shared, "I feel ashamed to receive such a significant award, but I strive to improve. I try to see my shortcomings as a form of romance, a motivation to do better next time. I will work hard to be an actress who can use this as a driving force to move forward." Her sincerity and dedication to her craft were evident, earning her applause from the audience.
The awards ceremony was not just about individual accolades; it also celebrated the collective achievements of various productions. The popular series My Dearest took home the Grand Prize, while When Life Gives You Tangerines won Best Drama and Best Screenplay, showcasing its critical acclaim and audience appeal. Additionally, Choi Dae-hoon received the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in When Life Gives You Tangerines, and Yeom Hye-ran was honored as Best Supporting Actress, acknowledging her performance in the same series.
In a touching moment, Yeom Hye-ran expressed her gratitude towards her co-stars, IU and child star Kim Tae-yeon, saying, "I want to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey. I love you all." Her emotional speech highlighted the bonds formed within the industry and the importance of teamwork.
The red carpet was another highlight of the evening, with attendees showcasing their fashion sense. Kim Tae-ri turned heads in a stunning two-piece outfit, exuding elegance and confidence. IU, known for her grace, wore a fitted white dress that complemented her poised demeanor. The event was filled with glamour, laughter, and camaraderie, making it a memorable night for all involved.
As the ceremony concluded, it was clear that the Baeksang Arts Awards not only honored individual talent but also celebrated the collaborative spirit of the Korean entertainment industry. The event served as a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into creating compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Looking ahead, the winners of the night have set the stage for future projects, with Joo Ji-hoon promising to return with more engaging works and Kim Tae-ri expressing her desire to continue growing as an actress. The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards was not just a night of recognition, but a celebration of the vibrant and dynamic landscape of Korean entertainment.
