The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, a prestigious event in the South Korean entertainment industry, took place on May 5, 2025, at the COEX D Hall in Seoul, celebrating the best in television and film. This year, the awards were hosted by Park Bo-gum, Shin Dong-yup, and Suzy, with Suzy making history as the first person to host for 10 consecutive years.
In the television category, the drama The Good Bad Mother was a standout, winning multiple awards including Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress for Yeom Hye-ran, and Best Supporting Actor for Choi Dae-hoon. Yeom Hye-ran, who portrayed the character Kim Kwang-joo, expressed her heartfelt gratitude during her acceptance speech, saying, "Ae-soon ah, your mom won the award, it's not the vice-champion, it's the champion!" This emotional moment resonated with the audience, including fellow actress IU, who was visibly moved.
Yeom Hye-ran further acknowledged the talent of her fellow nominees, stating, "I have been inspired by all of you, and I’ve watched your dramas to gain encouragement. There are many outstanding supporting actresses this year." She paid tribute to her colleagues, including the late Na Moon-hee, and expressed her appreciation for the writers and directors, highlighting the privilege of working together in the same era.
Choi Dae-hoon, recognized for his role as the villain Husband Sang-ji, was equally surprised by his win. Upon receiving his award, he exclaimed, "This must not be a hidden camera prank, right?" His nervousness was palpable as he thanked the director and screenwriter, stating, "This is the best Children's Day gift I've ever received!" May 5 is also Children’s Day in Korea, adding a layer of significance to his win.
Choi, who has been in the industry for over 10 years, reflected on his journey, saying, "When I first received the invitation to participate in this drama, I was worried, 'Can I do this?' But I also remembered the happiness of being recognized by the audience." His acceptance speech was filled with humor, as he addressed the flashing lights signaling him to wrap up, jokingly asking if he should speak faster. He concluded his speech with a heartfelt message to his wife, calling the award a perfect 10th wedding anniversary gift and humorously reenacting a line from the drama: "When you're tired, shout 'Ha-ssi!' to the sky!"
The evening was filled with laughter and emotion, showcasing the camaraderie among the stars. As the night progressed, the awards continued to highlight the outstanding achievements in the industry. The Best Actor award went to Joo Ji-hoon for his role in Trauma Center: Critical Rescue, while Kim Tae-ri took home the Best Actress award for Jeong Nyeon.
In a remarkable turn, the Grand Prize of the Baeksang Arts Awards was awarded to the food reality show Ramyun Brother, underscoring the diverse range of talent and creativity in the South Korean entertainment landscape.
As the night came to a close, the atmosphere was one of celebration and reflection on the hard work and dedication that goes into creating compelling stories in television and film. The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards not only honored individual achievements but also celebrated the collaborative spirit of the industry, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
