The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards have revealed their list of nominees, drawing attention to the best TV shows, films, and theater productions of the year. The event will take place on May 5 in Seoul, marking another prestigious moment for South Korea’s entertainment industry.
The Baeksang Arts Awards honor the top achievements in television, film, and theater over the past year. The awards recognize content broadcast between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Nominees include various series, films, and performances that captivated audiences across South Korea and beyond.
In the television category, five series have earned nominations for the best series award. These are: “Lovely Runner,” “The Tale of Lady Ok,” “Doubt,” “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,” and “When Life Gives You Tangerines.” These shows have received widespread praise for their compelling storytelling, strong performances, and excellent production.
Notably, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” and “Lovely Runner” have emerged as global hits. Both have been widely popular, not only in South Korea but also internationally. Their success has earned them nominations for the prestigious television category at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards.
The acting categories also saw intense competition this year. Five actors have been nominated for best actor in television. These nominees include Park Bo-gum for his role in “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” Byun Woo-seok for “Lovely Runner,” Lee Jun-hyuk for “Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard,” Ju Ji-hoon for “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,” and Han Suk-kyu for “Doubt.” These talented actors have each delivered standout performances that earned them recognition in this highly competitive category.
Similarly, the nominees for best actress in television include some of the biggest names in the industry. Go Min-si (“The Frog”), Kim Tae-ri (“Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born”), Kim Hye-yoon (“Lovely Runner”), Lee Ji-eun (“When Life Gives You Tangerines”), and Jang Na-ra (“Good Partner”) have all been nominated for their exceptional performances. Their roles have resonated deeply with viewers, further solidifying their place as some of the finest actresses in South Korea today.
In the film category, five movies are vying for the title of best film. These are: “Love in the Big City,” “Revolver,” “House of the Seasons,” “Uprising,” and “Harbin.” These films have impressed audiences and critics alike with their unique narratives and outstanding production quality. The competition for the best film award is expected to be fierce.
The nominees for best actor in the film category include Yoon Joo-sang (“The Land of Morning Calm”), Lee Byung-hun (“The Match”), Lee Hee-jun (“Handsome Guys”), Cho Jung-seok (“Pilot”), and Hyun Bin (“Harbin”). These actors have been recognized for their powerful performances in films that explore a wide range of human experiences and emotions.
In the race for best actress in the film category, the competition is equally strong. Kim Go-eun (“Love in the Big City”), Kim Geum-soon (“Jeong-sun”), Song Hye-gyo (“The Priests 2: Dark Nuns”), Jeon Do-yeon (“Revolver”), and Cho Yeo-jeong (“Hidden Face”) are all vying for the coveted title. Their performances have captivated audiences, showcasing their range and depth as actresses.
This year also marks the continued recognition of exceptional work in South Korea’s theater scene. The theater category was revived in 2019 to honor theatrical achievements across productions, companies, and individuals. The nominees for best theater this year include “Gumi-style,” “The Jew of Malta,” “The Eldest Daughters,” “Jincheon’s Recommended Play Recommended by Jincheon Resident,” and “The Sound of Tungso.” These productions have all garnered attention for their unique themes and outstanding performances.
For the third consecutive year, the Baeksang Arts Awards will partner with Italian luxury brand Gucci to celebrate this prestigious event. The ceremony will take place at Coex in Seoul and will be broadcast live on JTBC, JTBC2, and JTBC4. Fans of South Korean entertainment can tune in to watch the celebration of the country’s top TV shows, films, and theater productions.
As the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards approach, anticipation is building. The nominees have earned their place through hard work and dedication, making them worthy contenders for the prestigious accolades. The ceremony on May 5 will surely be a night to remember as South Korea’s entertainment industry comes together to celebrate its finest achievements.
