On May 5, 2025, the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards unfolded at COEX Hall D in Seoul, with Shin Dong-yup, Suzy, and Park Bo-gum hosting the night’s festivities. This year’s ceremony made history in several ways. In the film division, cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo received the Grand Prize for his work on Harbin — marking the first time a crew member, rather than an actor or director, was honored with the top award. This groundbreaking recognition highlighted the often-unsung contributions of behind-the-scenes talent, setting a new precedent in the Korean film industry.
Meanwhile, in the broadcasting division, a variety program, Culinary Class Wars, captured the Grand Prize for the first time, drawing widespread public attention and signaling a shift in how entertainment programs are valued.
Notably, Yeom Hye-ran won Best Supporting Actress for the second consecutive year, underscoring her remarkable consistency and impact in the acting field. Several productions also dominated the night by collecting multiple awards: When Life Gives You Tangerines led the television category with four wins, while Doubt and Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born each secured two. On the film side, Uprising emerged as a standout with three awards, followed by Harbin and Revolver, which each claimed two.
By embracing a wider spectrum of winners — from OTT and YouTube creators to traditional artists and technical staff — the Baeksang Arts Awards reaffirmed its role as a forward-looking, inclusive celebration of Korean entertainment.
Let’s take a closer look at the works and stars that triumphed at the 2025 Baeksang Arts Awards.
2025 Film Category of the Baeksang Arts Awards:
Harbin – Hong Kyung-pyo for Harbin (Cinematographer) for The Grand Prize and The Best Film
Director: Woo Min-ho (Best Film)
Cinematographer: Hong Kyung-pyo (Grand Prize winner)
Starring: Hyun Bin, Park Jeong-min, Jeon Yeo-been, Jo Woo-jin, Park Hoon, Yoo Jae-myung, Lily Franky, Lee Dong-wook
Genre: Historical Thriller / Biographical Drama
Runtime: 108 minutes
Languages: Korean, Japanese
Release Date: December 24, 202
Summary:
Set during Korea’s fight for independence in the early 1900s, Harbin tells the gripping true story of Ahn Jung-geun (played by Hyun Bin), a nationalist who assassinates Itō Hirobumi, Japan’s first Prime Minister, at Harbin railway station in 1909. The film explores the complex moral struggles, political tensions, and dangerous path leading up to this historic act, shining a light on a pivotal chapter of Korea’s resistance movement.
Uprising – The Best Screenplay, The Best New Actor, and The Best Technical Achievement
Director: Kim Sang-man
Screenwriters: Shin Cheol, Park Chan-wook (Best Screenplay)
Music (Score): Jo Yeong-wook (Best Technical Achievement)
Starring: Gang Dong-won, Park Jeong-min, Jung Sung-il (Best New Actor), Kim Shin-rok, Jin Seon-kyu, Cha Seung-won
Genre: Historical War / Action / Drama
Runtime: 126 minutes
Language: Korean
Release Date: October 11, 2024
Summary:
Set during the late 16th century Joseon Dynasty, Uprising follows the intertwined lives of Cheon Yeong, a skilled swordsman born into slavery, and Jong-ryeo, the privileged son of a noble family. As the Imjin War erupts with Japan’s invasion of Korea in 1592, the two childhood friends find themselves on opposing sides—Cheon Yeong joins the Righteous Army, a civilian militia, while Jong-ryeo remains by King Seonjo’s side. The film delves into themes of class struggle, loyalty, and the human cost of war. It highlights the societal upheaval and personal conflicts that arose during this tumultuous period.
Revolver – The Best Director and The Best Actress
Director: Oh Seung-uk (Best Director)
Starring: Jeon Do-yeon (Best Actress), Ji Chang-wook, Lim Ji-yeon
Genre: Crime Thriller / Revenge Drama
Runtime: 114 minutes
Language: Korean
Release Date: August 7, 2024
Summary:
Revolver follows Ha Soo-young (Jeon Do-yeon), a former police officer who takes the fall for a corruption scandal in exchange for a promised reward. After serving her sentence, she’s released only to find the reward gone and betrayal lurking at every turn. Driven by a fierce need for truth and justice, Soo-young sets out on a gritty journey, confronting old allies and unearthing dark secrets in a tense game of survival and revenge.
Pilot – The Best Actor
Director: Kim Han-gyul
Starring: Jo Jung-suk (Best Actor), Lee Joo-myung, Han Sun-hwa, Shin Seung-ho
Genre: Comedy / Drama
Runtime: 111 minutes
Language: Korean
Release Date: July 31, 2024
Summary:
Pilot is a South Korean comedy film that follows Han Jung-woo (Jo Jung-suk), a celebrated pilot who faces a sudden downfall due to a controversial incident. Struggling with unemployment and societal judgment, he adopts a new identity as his younger sister to secure a job, leading to a series of comedic and heartfelt events. The film explores themes of identity, resilience, and societal expectations.
*not available for streaming
Land of Happiness – The Best Supporting Actor
Director: Choo Chang-min
Screenwriter: Heo Jun-seok
Starring: Jo Jung-suk, Lee Sun-kyun, Yoo Jae-myung (Best Supporting Actor)
Genre: Political Drama / Courtroom Thriller
Runtime: 124 minutes
Language: Korean
Release Date: August 14, 2024
Summary:
Set against the backdrop of the 1979 assassination of South Korean President Park Chung-hee, Land of Happiness delves into the ensuing political turmoil and legal battles. The film follows Jung In-hoo (Jo Jung-suk), a seasoned lawyer who takes on the defense of Park Tae-joo (Lee Sun-kyun), a military officer accused of involvement in the assassination. As In-hoo navigates a trial fraught with political manipulation and moral dilemmas, he confronts the challenges of seeking justice in a system skewed by power dynamics. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, integrity, and the complexities of truth in a politically charged environment.
*not available for streaming
A Normal Family – The Best Supporting Actress
Director: Hur Jin-ho
Screenwriters: Park Eun-kyo, Park Joon-seok
Starring: Sul Kyung-gu, Jang Dong-gun, Kim Hee-ae, Claudia Kim (Best Supporting Actress)
Genre: Drama / Thriller
Runtime: 116 minutes
Language: Korean
Release Date: October 9, 2024
Summary:
Adapted from Herman Koch’s novel The Dinner, A Normal Family delves into the moral complexities faced by two affluent families when their teenage children commit a violent crime. The film centers on brothers Jae-wan, a successful lawyer, and Jae-gyu, a principled pediatrician, whose monthly family dinners become a battleground of ethics and loyalty. As they grapple with the implications of their children’s actions, the brothers confront the disintegration of their familial bonds and personal values.
*not available for streaming
Hear Me: Our Summer – The Best New Actress
Director: Cho Sun-ho
Screenwriters: Na Jae-won, Kwak Kyung-yoon
Cinematography: Kang Min-woo
Editing: Kim Sun-min
Starring: Hong Kyung, Roh Yoon-seo (Best New Actress), Kim Min-ju
Genre: Romantic Drama
Runtime: 109 minutes
Languages: Korean, Korean Sign Language
Release Date: November 6, 2024
Summary:
Hear Me: Our Summer is a South Korean romantic drama film that tells the story of Lee Yong-jun (Hong Kyung), a recent college graduate uncertain about his future. While working part-time delivering lunchboxes, he meets Seo Yeo-reum (Roh Yoon-seo), a hearing-impaired woman who communicates through sign language. Drawn to her, Yong-jun strives to connect beyond words, learning to see and feel more deeply. As their relationship develops, Yeo-reum begins to distance herself, leading Yong-jun to uncover the reasons behind her withdrawal. The film explores themes of communication, empathy, and the complexities of human connection.
*not available for streaming
House of the Seasons – The Best New Director
Director: Oh Jung-min (Best New Director)
Screenwriter: Oh Jung-min
Cinematography: Lee Jin-keun
Starring: Kang Seung-ho, Woo Sang-jeon, Son Sook, Cha Mi-kyeong, Oh Man-seok, An Min-yeong, Jung Jae-eun, Seo Hyun-chul, Kim See-eun, Kang Tae-woo
Genre: Family Drama / Mystery
Runtime: 121 minutes
Language: Korean
Release Date: September 11, 2024
Summary:
House of the Seasons (장손) is a poignant exploration of familial bonds and generational tensions within the Kim family, proprietors of a tofu factory in rural Daegu. The narrative unfolds over the course of a year, segmented into summer, autumn, and winter, each season revealing deeper layers of the family’s dynamics.
In the sweltering summer, the family congregates for ancestral rites, during which Seong-jin (Kang Seung-ho), the favored grandson, announces his decision to forgo inheriting the family business, igniting underlying resentments. As autumn arrives, the sudden death of matriarch Mal-nyeo (Son Sook) exacerbates existing conflicts, particularly concerning inheritance and the future of the tofu enterprise. The winter chapter delves into the aftermath of these events, portraying the family’s struggle to reconcile tradition with individual aspirations.
Oh Jung-min’s directorial debut has been lauded for its lyrical storytelling and evocative cinematography, drawing comparisons to the works of Edward Yang and Hirokazu Kore-eda. The film’s deliberate pacing and nuanced performances offer a contemplative look at the complexities of familial obligations and personal desires.
*not available for streaming
2025 Television Category of the Baeksang Arts Awards:
Culinary Class Wars – The Grand Prize
Director: Kim Eun-ji (Grand Prize)
Judges: Paik Jong-won, Ahn Sung-jae
Starring: Edward Lee, Kwon Seong-joon (Napoli Matfia), Choi Hyun-seok, Jung Ji-sun, Auntie Omakase #1 (Lee Mi-ryeong), Comic Book Chef, Cooking Maniac, Master of School Meals, Triple Star
Genre: Reality Competition / Cooking Show
Runtime: 12 episodes
Language: Korean
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Summary:
Culinary Class Wars is a South Korean cooking competition series that aired on Netflix. The show features 100 chefs divided into two groups: 80 Black Spoon chefs, representing self-taught or lesser-known culinary talents, and 20 White Spoon chefs, made up of renowned and institutionally recognized chefs.
The competition kicks off with Black Spoon chefs fighting for the right to challenge the White Spoon chefs through intense culinary battles. Each episode includes creative challenges, blind tastings, and unpredictable twists that push the chefs to their limits.
The series became a cultural sensation, topping Netflix’s global non-English rankings for three consecutive weeks. Its unique blend of fierce competition, sharp social commentary, and bold production design earned it both massive popularity and critical acclaim, winning the Best Production Design award at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards.
When Life Gives You Tangerines – The Best Drama, The Best Screenplay, The Best Supporting Actress, and The Best Supporting Actor
Director: Kim Won-seok (Best Drama)
Screenwriter: Lim Sang-choon (Best Screenplay)
Cinematographers: Choi Yoon-man, Kim Dong-soo
Music: Park Sung-il
Starring: IU (Lee Ji-eun), Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, Park Hae-joon, Yeom Hye-ran (Best Supporting Actress), Choi Dae-hoon (Best Supporting Actor)
Genre: Romance / Slice-of-Life
Runtime: 16 episodes
Language: Korean, Jeju dialect
Release Date: March 7–28, 2025
Summary:
When Life Gives You Tangerines is a South Korean romantic drama series that aired on Netflix. The story chronicles the enduring love between Ae-sun, an aspiring poet from Jeju Island, and Gwan-sik, a steadfast young man who supports her dreams. Spanning from the 1960s to the present day, the series explores their personal struggles, societal challenges, and the evolving dynamics of their relationship over five decades.
The narrative is enriched by its Jeju Island setting, incorporating local culture and dialect to add authenticity and depth. Praised for its evocative storytelling and compelling performances—especially by IU and Park Bo-gum—the series resonates with themes of love, resilience, and the passage of time.
When Life Gives You Tangerines earned major acclaim, winning Best Drama and Best Screenplay at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards.
Doubt – The Best Director and The Best New Actress
Director: Song Yeon-hwa (Best Director)
Screenwriter: Han Ah-young
Cinematographers: Lee Jin-seok, Lee Deok-hoon, Lee Jong-hyun
Editor: Kim Hee-sung, Lee Ji-hye
Music: Park Se-joon
Starring: Han Suk-kyu, Chae Won-bin, Han Ye-ri, Roh Jae-won, Yoon Kyung-ho, Oh Yeon-soo
Genre: Psychological Thriller / Crime Drama
Runtime: 10 episodes (70 minutes each)
Language: Korean
Release Date: October 11 – November 15, 2024
Summary:
Doubt is a South Korean psychological thriller crime drama series that aired on MBC TV. The story follows Jang Tae-su, a renowned criminal profiler and single father, whose life is upended when he discovers that his daughter, Jang Ha-bin, may be connected to a murder case he is investigating. As he grapples with this revelation, Tae-su must navigate the complexities of his professional responsibilities and personal loyalties, leading to a gripping exploration of truth, trust, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.
The series delves deep into the psychological turmoil faced by its characters, offering a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With its intricate plot and powerful performances, particularly by Han Suk-kyu and Chae Won-bin, Doubt has been lauded for its storytelling and character development.
Doubt received critical acclaim, with Song Yeon-hwa winning Best Director and Chae Won-bin securing Best New Actress at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards.
Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born – The Best Actress and The Best Technical Achievement
Director: Jung Ji-in
Screenwriter: Choi Hyo-bi
Cinematographer: Lee Jin-seok
Music: Jang Young-kyu (Best Technical Achievement)
Starring: Kim Tae-ri (Best Actress), Shin Ye-eun, Ra Mi-ran, Jung Eun-chae, Kim Yoon-hye
Genre: Period Drama / Musical
Runtime: 12 episodes
Language: Korean
Release Date: October 12 – November 17, 2024
Summary:
Set in 1950s post-war Korea, Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born follows the journey of Yoon Jeong-nyeon, a talented young singer from Mokpo, who dreams of joining a traditional all-female theater troupe known as gukgeuk. Discovered by the renowned pansori performer Moon Ok-gyeong, Jeong-nyeon embarks on a challenging path to stardom, navigating the complexities of the theater world, rivalries, and personal growth.
The series delves into the rich cultural heritage of gukgeuk and pansori, blending traditional Korean music and storytelling with compelling character arcs. It highlights the struggles and triumphs of female performers in a male-dominated society, offering a poignant exploration of ambition, identity, and resilience.
Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born received critical acclaim, winning Best Drama at the 2024 APAN Star Awards and Best Actress for Kim Tae-ri at the 2025 Baeksang Arts Awards. The series also garnered attention for its authentic portrayal of Korean cultural traditions and its engaging narrative.
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call – The Best Actor
Director: Lee Do-yoon
Screenwriter: Choi Tae-kang
Cinematographer: Choi Sang-mook
Editor: Park Min-sun
Music: Primary
Starring: Ju Ji-hoon (Best Actor), Choo Young-woo, Ha Young, Yoon Kyung-ho, Jeong Jae-kwang
Genre: Medical Drama / Comedy
Runtime: 8 episodes
Language: Korean
Release Date: January 24, 2025
Distributor: Netflix
Summary:
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call is a South Korean medical comedy-drama series that premiered on Netflix on January 24, 2025. The story follows Baek Kang-hyuk (played by Ju Ji-hoon), a brilliant trauma surgeon with a background in conflict zones, who is tasked with revitalizing the struggling trauma unit at Hankuk National University Hospital. His unconventional methods and exceptional surgical skills initially create friction with the existing team but gradually lead to transformative changes in the department.
The series blends high-stakes medical procedures with comedic elements, offering a fresh take on the medical drama genre. It has been praised for its engaging storytelling, dynamic performances, and the chemistry among the lead cast.
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call achieved significant success, topping Netflix’s global non-English TV rankings shortly after its release and maintaining a strong presence in multiple countries. The series was also nominated for Best Drama at the 2025 Baeksang Arts Awards, with Ju Ji-hoon winning Best Actor for his portrayal of Baek Kang-hyuk.
The Tale of Lady Ok: Heroes on Call – The Best New Actor
Director: Jin Hyuk
Screenwriter: Park Ji-sook
Music: Chung Yea-kyung
Starring: Lim Ji-yeon, Choo Young-woo (Best New Actor), Yeonwoo, Kim Jae-won
Genre: Historical Drama / Romantic Thriller
Runtime: 16 episodes
Language: Korean
Release Date: November 30, 2024 – January 26, 2025
Summary:
Set during the late Joseon Dynasty, The Tale of Lady Ok follows Goo Deok, a runaway slave who assumes the identity of a noblewoman, Ok Tae-young. As she navigates the complexities of her new life, she becomes a legal advocate, fighting against corruption and injustice in Cheongsu County. Her journey intertwines with Cheon Seung-hwi, a masked storyteller who falls in love with her, and together they confront the challenges posed by their secrets and the rigid societal structures of the time.
The series has been lauded for its compelling narrative and strong performances, particularly by Lim Ji-yeon and Choo Young-woo. It achieved significant viewership ratings, peaking at over 11%, and garnered critical acclaim for its fresh take on historical dramas, focusing on the struggles of common people rather than palace intrigues.
The Tale of Lady Ok received multiple nominations at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, including Best Drama, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Kim Jae-hwa, with Choo Young-woo winning Best New Actor.
Here are all the winners of the 61th Baeksang Arts Awards:
Films
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The Grand Prize (Daesang): Hong Kyung-pyo (Cinematographer) – Harbin
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The Best Film: Harbin
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The Best Director: Oh Seung-wook – Revolver
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The Best New Director: Oh Jung-min – House of the Seasons
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The Best Actor: Jo Jung-suk – Pilot
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The Best Actress: Jeon Do-yeon – Revolver
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The Best Supporting Actor: Yoo Jae-myung – Land of Happiness
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The Best Supporting Actress: Claudia Kim – A Normal Family
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The Best New Actor: Jung Sung-il – Uprising
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The Best New Actress: Roh Yoon-seo – Hear Me: Our Summer
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The Best Screenplay: Shin Chul & Park Chan-wook – Uprising
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The Best Technical Achievement: Jo Yeong-wook (Music) – Uprising
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Gucci Impact Award: The Land of Morning Calm
TV/Drama
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The Grand Prize (Daesang): Culinary Class Wars
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The Best Drama: When Life Gives You Tangerines
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The Best Entertainment Show: Punghyanggo
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The Best Educational Show: Special-Hakjeon
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The Best Director: Song Yeon-hwa – Doubt
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The Best Screenplay: Im Sang-choon – When Life Gives You Tangerines
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The Best Technical Achievement: Jo Yeong-wook (Music) – Uprising
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The Best Actor: Ju Ji-hoon – The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
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The Best Actress: Kim Tae-ri – Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born
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The Best Supporting Actor: Choi Dae-hoon – When Life Gives You Tangerines
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The Best Supporting Actress: Yeom Hye-ran – When Life Gives You Tangerines
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The Best New Actor: Choo Young-woo – The Tale of Lady Ok
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The Best New Actress: Chae Won-bin – Doubt
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The Best Male Entertainer: Shin Dong-yup
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The Best Female Entertainer: Lee Soo-ji
Special Awards
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Prizm Popularity Award (Female): Kim Hye-yoon – Lovely Runner
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Prizm Popularity Award (Male): Byeon Woo-seok – Lovely Runner
