The 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards, a cornerstone event celebrating the pinnacle of Korean entertainment, unfolded on May 8th in Seoul, marking a significant milestone in its illustrious history. This year’s ceremony, meticulously organized by HLL JoongAng and proudly sponsored by Gucci for the fourth consecutive year, transcended its usual four-hour runtime, broadcasting live on JTBC and streamed globally via Naver, captivating a vast audience. The familiar and esteemed trio of Shin Dong-yup, Bae Suzy, and Park Bo-gum returned to helm the proceedings for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year, their seasoned hosting ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for viewers and attendees alike.
This edition of the Baeksang Arts Awards was distinguished by its embrace of a broader spectrum of performing arts, most notably the formal introduction of a Musical Division. This groundbreaking addition, a collaborative effort with the Korea Musical Theatre Association, was strategically timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Korean musical theatre, underscoring the nation’s rich and evolving artistic landscape. The evening’s accolades were distributed across film, television, theatre, variety, and now, the vibrant world of musicals, reflecting the awards’ commitment to recognizing excellence across all facets of the Korean entertainment industry.
Esteemed Veterans Take Center Stage: Daesang Winners and Their Impact
The most coveted awards of the night, the Daesangs, were bestowed upon two profoundly respected figures in the Korean entertainment sphere. Veteran actor Yoo Hae-jin was honored with the Film Daesang for his compelling performance in "The King’s Warden," a testament to his enduring talent and significant contributions to cinema. Simultaneously, Ryu Seung-ryong received the Broadcast Daesang for his memorable role in "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim," further solidifying his status as a leading figure in television dramas.
"The King’s Warden" emerged as a dominant force throughout the evening, not only securing the prestigious Film Daesang for Yoo Hae-jin but also garnering the Gucci Impact Award, recognizing its significant cultural and artistic resonance. Further cementing its success, the film saw Park Ji-hoon claim the Best New Actor award, a remarkable achievement for a burgeoning talent. Park Ji-hoon’s impressive showing was further amplified when he also secured the Naver Popularity Award for Male, highlighting his growing appeal among the public. The Gucci Impact Award, in particular, signifies the Baeksang Arts Awards’ increasing emphasis on works that not only achieve artistic merit but also leave a lasting impression on society and the cultural discourse, a trend that aligns with global recognition platforms.
Film Category: A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence
The film sector of the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards witnessed a diverse range of honorees, showcasing the depth and breadth of Korean filmmaking. Park Chan-wook’s critically acclaimed "No Other Choice" was awarded Best Film, a recognition that speaks to its artistic vision and narrative power. Yoon Ga-eun’s sensitive direction in "The World of Love" earned her the Best Director award, celebrating her ability to craft emotionally resonant stories. The film’s success was further underscored by Seo Su-bin’s win for Best New Actress, marking her as a significant emerging talent in the industry.
The screenplay for "Good News," penned by Byun Sung-hyun and Lee Jin-seong, was lauded with the Best Screenplay award, acknowledging their contribution to compelling storytelling. The acting categories saw significant recognition for their respective roles: Park Jeong-min was honored with Best Actor for his performance in "The Ugly," while Moon Ga-young received the Best Actress award for her role in "Once We Were Us." The supporting acting accolades were awarded to Lee Sung-min for his contribution to "No Other Choice" and Shin Se-kyung for her performance in "Humint," highlighting the ensemble efforts that contribute to cinematic success. The inclusion of "No Other Choice" in both Best Film and Best Supporting Actor categories demonstrates a strong directorial vision and cohesive performance from its cast, often a hallmark of award-winning films.
Broadcast Television: Dominance and Emotional Resonance
The television landscape was equally vibrant, with "You and Everything Else" emerging as a significant winner, clinching the Best Drama award. The series also saw its screenwriter, Song Hye-jin, recognized with the Best Screenplay award, underscoring the strength of its narrative foundation. "Our Unwritten Seoul" also garnered substantial recognition, with Park Shin-woo receiving the Best Director award for his insightful guidance, and Park Bo-young earning the Best Actress award for her compelling portrayal.
Hyun Bin’s powerful performance in the Disney+ series "Made in Korea" earned him the Best Actor award, a testament to his consistent ability to deliver impactful performances. His acceptance speech became a memorable moment of the evening, offering a personal and touching tribute to his wife, actress Son Ye-jin, and their son. This moment of public affection and gratitude resonated deeply, humanizing the glitz and glamour of the awards ceremony and highlighting the support systems that underpin successful careers in the demanding entertainment industry. The recognition of a streaming platform series like "Made in Korea" also signifies the evolving distribution models and the growing prominence of global streaming services in the Korean television landscape.
The success of "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim" continued in the broadcast category, with Yoo Seung-mok receiving the Best Supporting Actor award, further validating the series’ strong ensemble cast. Lim Soo-jung was honored with the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in "Low Life," showcasing her versatility. The Best New Actor and Actress awards in broadcast went to Lee Chae-min for "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" and Bang Hyo-rin for "Aema," respectively, identifying the next generation of television talent. Kang Seung-won’s work on "The Seasons" was recognized with the Technical Achievement award for music, highlighting the crucial role of sound design in enhancing the viewing experience.
Variety and Entertainment: Humor and Insight
The dynamic world of variety and entertainment also celebrated its stars. Kian84 was awarded Best Male Entertainer, a testament to his widespread appeal and comedic timing. Lee Su-ji continued her winning streak, securing the Best Female Entertainer award for the second consecutive year, a clear indication of her consistent popularity and comedic prowess. "The Wonder Coach" was named Best Variety Show, recognizing its ability to engage and entertain audiences. "Our Shining Days" received the award for Best Educational Programme, highlighting its contribution to informative and enriching content. The Naver Popularity Awards, voted on by the public, were presented to Park Ji-hoon and Lim YoonA, underscoring their significant fan bases.
A Historic Debut: The Inaugural Musical Division
The 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards will forever be etched in history for its landmark introduction of a Musical Division. This significant expansion acknowledges the burgeoning strength and artistic merit of Korean musical theatre, a sector that has witnessed considerable growth and innovation in recent years. The inaugural awards in this category celebrated outstanding achievements, with "Arang" being crowned Best Musical. The exceptional talent of Kim Jun-su was recognized with the Best Performer in Musical award for his role in "Beetlejuice," a performance that captivated audiences. Seo Byung-goo received the Creative Achievement award for his choreography in "Evita," a testament to his innovative and impactful contribution to the production. This inclusion not only elevates musical theatre within the prestigious Baeksang framework but also provides a vital platform for artists and productions to gain wider recognition and appreciation. The establishment of this division reflects a maturing Korean arts scene, capable of supporting and celebrating diverse forms of artistic expression at the highest level.
Theatre: Enduring Power of Stage Performance
The theatre section of the awards continued to honor the raw power and artistry of live performance. "Jellyfish" was awarded Best Theatre, a recognition of its significant artistic contribution. Theatre Company Tank of Fire received the Baeksang Young Theatre award for their production "Tank of Fire," highlighting emerging talent and innovative stage work. Kim Sin-rok was celebrated as Best Performer for her commanding presence in "Prima Facie," an award that underscores the profound impact of individual stage performances.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards served as more than just an awards ceremony; it was a comprehensive celebration of Korean performing arts in its entirety. The triumphs of established stars like Yoo Hae-jin, Ryu Seung-ryong, Park Bo-young, and Hyun Bin, alongside the promising emergence of talents like Park Ji-hoon and Seo Su-bin, paint a vibrant picture of the industry’s present and future. The historic inclusion of the Musical Division signifies a crucial step forward, acknowledging the genre’s artistic significance and its growing popularity.
This expansion underscores the Baeksang Arts Awards’ commitment to remaining at the forefront of recognizing and celebrating Korean talent across all disciplines. As the industry continues to evolve with the rise of streaming platforms and the diversification of artistic mediums, the Baeksang Arts Awards’ adaptability and inclusiveness will undoubtedly cement its position as a premier arbiter of excellence in Korean entertainment for years to come. The event’s continued partnership with global brands like Gucci also speaks to the international appeal and growing influence of Korean culture, further amplifying the reach and impact of its celebrated artists.
Full Winners List – 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards
Broadcast
- Grand Prize: Ryu Seung-ryong, "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim"
- Best Drama: "You and Everything Else"
- Best Director: Park Shin-woo, "Our Unwritten Seoul"
- Best Screenplay: Song Hye-jin, "You and Everything Else"
- Best Actor: Hyun Bin, "Made in Korea"
- Best Actress: Park Bo-young, "Our Unwritten Seoul"
- Best Supporting Actor: Yoo Seung-mok, "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim"
- Best Supporting Actress: Lim Soo-jung, "Low Life"
- Best New Actor: Lee Chae-min, "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty"
- Best New Actress: Bang Hyo-rin, "Aema"
- Technical Achievement: Kang Seung-won (Music), "The Seasons"
Film
- Grand Prize: Yoo Hae-jin, "The King’s Warden"
- Best Film: "No Other Choice"
- Best Director: Yoon Ga-eun, "The World of Love"
- Best Screenplay: Byun Sung-hyun and Lee Jin-seong, "Good News"
- Best Actor: Park Jeong-min, "The Ugly"
- Best Actress: Moon Ga-young, "Once We Were Us"
- Best Supporting Actor: Lee Sung-min, "No Other Choice"
- Best Supporting Actress: Shin Se-kyung, "Humint"
- Best New Actor: Park Ji-hoon, "The King’s Warden"
- Best New Actress: Seo Su-bin, "The World of Love"
- Best New Director: Park Joon-ho, "3670"
- Technical Achievement: Lee Min-hwi (Cinematography), "Pavane"
- Gucci Impact Award: "The King’s Warden"
Entertainment and Variety
- Best Male Entertainer: Kian84
- Best Female Entertainer: Lee Su-ji
- Best Educational Programme: "Our Shining Days"
- Best Variety Show: "The Wonder Coach"
- Popularity Awards: Park Ji-hoon, Lim YoonA
Theatre
- Best Theatre: "Jellyfish"
- Baeksang Young Theatre: Theatre Company Tank of Fire, "Tank of Fire"
- Best Performer: Kim Sin-rok, "Prima Facie"
Musical
- Best Musical: "Arang"
- Best Performer: Kim Jun-su, "Beetlejuice"
- Creative Achievement: Seo Byung-goo (Choreography), "Evita"
