“Everyone Thought He’d Win—But This Actor Wasn’t Even Nominated at Baeksang 2025”

Several unexpected moments stood out at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, held on May 5 at COEX D Hall in Gangnam, Seoul. Hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Suzy, and Park Bo-gum, the ceremony rolled out awards in film, television, and theater—but one notable name was missing from the nominee list.

Despite delivering a standout performance as Yang Gwan-sik in Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다), actor Park Hae-joon wasn’t even nominated—leaving many viewers and fans puzzled.

Meanwhile, several Tangerines castmates did get recognized: Yeom Hye-ran won Best Supporting Actress (TV), and Choi Dae-hoon won Best Supporting Actor (TV) for his portrayal of "Hak-shi Ajusshi." In the film category, Soo-hyun took home Best Supporting Actress for A Normal Family.

Another historic moment at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards has become a hot topic in Korea. Netflix’s variety show Culinary Class Wars took home the Grand Prize (Daesang) in the Broadcast category—marking the first time in Baeksang history that a variety program won the top honor. The move shocked audiences and industry insiders alike, sparking widespread debate.

Director Park Chan-wook was also among the awardees, receiving Best Screenplay (Film) for War and Chaos (전,란), a historical epic set during the post-Imjin War uprisings. On stage, Park noted: “It’s the first time I’ve won a screenplay award for a film I didn’t direct—and I feel great about it.”

He added that the story echoes current Korean political challenges: “Our brave, wise citizens have saved this country in times of crisis before. Now it’s time to elect a leader worthy of them—not someone like the self-serving monarch Cha Seung-won played in the film, but someone who truly respects the people.”

Since its inception in 1965, the Baeksang Arts Awards has been Korea’s only all-around arts awards, recognizing excellence across film, television, and theater. This year, the TV category was renamed to "Broadcast" to reflect evolving content consumption trends.

The ceremony also marked its third consecutive year of partnership with Italian fashion house Gucci, adding even more glamour to the event. Past winners returned as presenters, including BIBI, Lee Jung-ha, and Yuna, who presented the Best New Actor/Actress awards.

With 60 expert judges and a reputation for integrity, Baeksang remains a vital barometer of Korean pop culture, artistic excellence, and industry evolution.

Culinary Class Wars captivated global viewers with its boundary-breaking format, blending generational themes, social commentary, and culinary competition. Far from traditional entertainment, it became a cultural phenomenon, spawning countless spin-offs and viral moments. Judges praised its cultural impact, public relevance, and creative execution—ultimately crowning it the first variety show to win Baeksang’s most prestigious award.

Still, not everyone was pleased. Many expected When Life Gives You Tangerines to win the Daesang. With critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, performances, and score, the drama was seen by many as the front-runner. While it did win Best Drama and multiple acting awards, its loss in the top category left fans and critics reeling.

Reactions online have been mixed. While some praised Culinary Class Wars' innovation, others argued that Tangerines better represented Baeksang’s legacy of honoring artistic excellence and social relevance. A few even questioned the fairness of the results, citing potential ties between production companies and organizers.

Baeksang judges responded, saying: “We prioritized works that balance popularity, artistic quality, and social relevance. This award reflects intense discussion and unanimous consensus.”

But the shift in standards—awarding Daesangs to non-scripted and behind-the-camera creators—is undeniably reshaping perceptions. In another twist, the Film Grand Prize went to cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo for Harbin—the first time a staff member, not a director or actor, claimed the top film honor. His visuals, shot across Mongolia and Latvia, earned widespread praise for their artistry and realism.

With both Broadcast and Film Grand Prizes going to unconventional winners, this year’s Baeksang etched new history. While excitement and criticism coexist, the conversation now turns to how the awards will define excellence moving forward—balancing mass appeal with meaning.

Complete Winners List – 61st Baeksang Arts Awards (May 5, 2025)

[Broadcast Division]

Grand Prize (Daesang):

Netflix Culinary Class Wars

Best Drama:

Netflix When Life Gives You Tangerines

Best Variety Show:

Pung Hyang GO

Best Educational/Documentary Program:

SBS Special – Hakjeon and the Hidden Side of Kim Min-ki

Best Directing:

Song Yeon-hwa (MBC’s Betrayer So Intimate)

Best Screenplay:

Im Sang-chun (Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines)

Best Artistic Contribution:

Jang Young-gyu (*tvN’s Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born – Music)

Best Actor (TV):

Ju Ji-hoon (Netflix’s Trauma Code: Heroes on Call)

Best Actress (TV):

Kim Tae-ri (tvN’s Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born)

Best Supporting Actor (TV):

Choi Dae-hoon (Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines)

Best Supporting Actress (TV):

Yeom Hye-ran (Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines)

Best New Actor (TV):

Choo Young-woo (JTBC’s The Tale of Lady Ok)

Best New Actress (TV):

Chae Won-bin (MBC’s Betrayer So Intimate)

Best Male Entertainer:

Shin Dong-yup

Best Female Entertainer:

Lee Su-ji

[Film Division]

Grand Prize (Daesang):

Hong Kyung-pyo (Harbin – Cinematography)

Best Film:

Harbin

Best Director:

Oh Seung-wook (Revolver)

Best New Director:

Oh Jung-min (Jangson)

Best Screenplay:

Shin Chul & Park Chan-wook (War and Chaos)

Best Artistic Contribution:

Cho Young-wook (War and Chaos – Music)

Best Actor (Film):

Jo Jung-suk (Pilot)

Best Actress (Film):

Jeon Do-yeon (Revolver)

Best Supporting Actor (Film):

Yoo Jae-myung (Nation of Happiness)

Best Supporting Actress (Film):

Soo-hyun (A Normal Family)

Best New Actor (Film):

Jung Sung-il (War and Chaos)

Best New Actress (Film):

Roh Yoon-seo (Cheongseol)

GUCCI Impact Award:

The Gulls of Morning Sea

[Theater Division]

Baeksang Theater Award:

Sound of the Flute (Tungso Sori)

Young Theater Award:

Theater Troupe Gongnori Club (Dried Peppers and Peach-Scented Lipstick)

Best Actor (Theater):

Kwak Ji-sook (The Jew of Malta)

[Special Awards]

PRIZM Popularity Award (Male):

Byeon Woo-seok

PRIZM Popularity Award (Female):

Kim Hye-yoon

Get the latest on K-pop & K-drama here!