The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, a significant awards ceremony in Korea that covers television, film, and theater, is being hosted today (May 5) at COEX D Hall in Gangnam, Seoul. The event will air live from 8 PM KST on JTBC as well as various digital platforms like Prism, Naver TV, and Chzzzik.
Shin Dong Yup, Suzy, and Park Bo Gum are returning to host the event, which is celebrating its 61st anniversary this year, focusing on credibility and fairness and uniting the most prominent figures in Korea’s entertainment industry.
This year, the Baeksang Awards have made adjustments to adapt to the changing media landscape by renaming the "TV division" to the "broadcast division", allowing for content from all platforms to participate.
High expectations surround the drama ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ with eight nominations, including director Kim Won Seok, actors IU, and Park Bo Gum. ‘Lovely Runner’ is also anticipated to do well, with writer Lee Si Eun and actors Byun Woo Seok, Kim Hye Yoon, and Song Geon Hee attending. Byun Woo Seok is notably nominated for Best Actor in the broadcast division after a prior nomination as Best New Actor in the film division.
Popular works like ‘Trauma Center’, ‘The Matchmakers’, ‘Good Partner’, and ‘The Intimate Traitor’ will also have a strong presence at the event, with actors, directors, and producers gracing the red carpet.
The event will feature a mix of veteran and up-and-coming entertainers in the variety segment, showcasing a diverse range of talents. In the film category, all 30 actor nominees along with many directors and producers will be present, symbolizing the resilience of Korea’s film industry.
Renowned names like IU, Kim Go Eun, Jeon Do Yeon, and Hyun Bin will attend, along with Director Park Chan Wook representing the film ‘War and Rumors’. The theater division will not be overlooked, with plays like ‘The Jew of Malta’, ‘The Recorder's Sound’, and ‘Jincheon Recommends Jincheon’ receiving nominations in various categories.
Partnering with Gucci for the third year, the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards is anticipated to be a blend of honoring excellence and acknowledging Korea’s vibrant creative scene that continues to captivate global audiences.