The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards is set to celebrate the best in Korean entertainment on May 5, 2025, at 8:00 PM KST at the COEX Hall D in Seoul. This prestigious event, hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Bae Suzy, and Park Bo-gum, will honor excellence in film, television, and theater, with a star-studded lineup of presenters and live broadcasts on JTBC, JTBC2, and JTBC4.
Event Overview
The Baeksang Arts Awards, established in 1965 by Chang Key-young, founder of Hankook Ilbo, is one of South Korea’s most respected award ceremonies. It recognizes outstanding achievements in film, television (now called “Broadcasting” to include streaming platforms), and theater. The 2025 ceremony will cover works released between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. A panel of 60 industry experts evaluates entries through a rigorous screening process to ensure credibility.
The event will take place at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center, Hall D, in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It starts at 8:00 PM KST (7:00 PM Manila Time, 6:00 AM EST, 11:00 AM GMT) on May 5, 2025. The ceremony is expected to last around four hours, featuring awards, performances, and presenter appearances.
Hosts of the Ceremony
The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards will be hosted by:
Shin Dong-yup: A renowned comedian and TV personality, hosting for the 10th time since the 50th edition (except 2017). Known for his humor and wit, he keeps the event lively.
Bae Suzy: A popular actress and singer, hosting for the ninth consecutive year since the 52nd edition. Her charm and adaptability make her a fan favorite.
Park Bo-gum: A beloved actor, returning as a host alongside Suzy and Shin. His warm presence complements the trio’s dynamic.
This trio has hosted together for six years, creating a familiar and engaging atmosphere for viewers.
Star-Studded Presenter Lineup
The 2025 ceremony features a dazzling array of presenters, including past winners and popular stars. Notable presenters include:
- Ryu Seung Ryong and Kim Sung Soo, last year’s Grand Prize winners for Moving and 12.12: The Day.
- Pairs of previous winners: YoonA and Lee Jung Ha, Kim Go Eun and Hwang Jung Min, Namgoong Min and Lee Ha Nee, Ahn Jae Hong and Yeom Hye Ran, Kim Jong Soo and Lee Sang Hee, Na Young Suk and Hong Jin Kyung.
- BIBI, last year’s Best New Actress (Film), and Ong Seong Wu, standing in for Lee Do Hyun (currently in military service), presenting Best New Actor and Actress awards.
- Kang Hae Jin, last year’s Best Actor in Theater, presenting the theater acting award.
- Choi Moo Sung, a veteran actor, presenting the Baeksang Play Award.
- Kim Seon Ho, star of When Life Gives You Tangerines, supporting the drama’s eight nominations.
- Ahn Hyo Seop and Nana, promoting their upcoming film Omniscient Reader (set for July 2025).
- Byun Yo Han and Go Ah Sung, teasing their film Pavane.
- Kim Shin Rok and Cho Hyun Chul, presenting the GUCCI IMPACT AWARD for socially impactful content.
- Seo In Guk and Jeong Eun Ji, reuniting from Reply 1997 after their recent duet “Couple.”
- Go Kyung Pyo and Seohyun, reuniting from Private Lives after five years.
This lineup promises emotional reunions and exciting previews of upcoming projects, adding to the event’s appeal.
Key Nominations and Categories
Nominees for the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards were announced on April 7, 2025, via the official website. Eligible works include films, TV shows, OTT programs, and theater productions released between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. For series, at least one-third of the episodes must have aired by March 31.
Notable Drama Nominations
- Best Drama: Lovely Runner (tvN), The Tale of Lady Ok (JTBC), Doubt (MBC), The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (Netflix), When Life Gives You Tangerines (Netflix).
- Best Actor: Park Bo Gum (When Life Gives You Tangerines), Byeon Woo Seok (Lovely Runner), Lee Jun Hyuk (Dongjae: The Good or the Bastard), Joo Ji Hoon (The Trauma Code), Han Suk Kyu (Doubt).
- Best Actress: IU (When Life Gives You Tangerines), Go Min Si (The Frog), Kim Hye Yoon (Lovely Runner), Jang Na Ra (Good Partner), Kim Tae Ri (Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born).
- Best Director: Kim Won Seok (When Life Gives You Tangerines), Kim Hee Won (Light Shop), Song Yeon Hwa (Doubt), Lee Do Yoon (The Trauma Code), Jung Ji In (Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born).
Film and Theater Categories
- Film nominations include top contenders like When Life Gives You Tangerines (nine nominations) and Lovely Runner (six nominations).
- Theater awards, such as the Baeksang Play Award, highlight stage performances, with Kang Hae Jin and Choi Moo Sung presenting.
Prizm Popularity Award
The Prizm Popularity Award (Male and Female) is determined by fan votes. Voting ran from April 23, 2025, to May 3, 2025, via the Prizm app. Byun Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon from Lovely Runner won the 2025 popularity poll, despite some controversy over vote rigging allegations.
Where and How to Watch
The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards will be broadcast live in South Korea on JTBC, JTBC2, and JTBC4 at 8:00 PM KST on May 5, 2025. International viewers can watch through:
- Prizm: The official international streaming platform for the event.
- TikTok: Previous years (e.g., 2023) were streamed live on Baeksang’s official TikTok (@baeksang.official), but 2025 details are unconfirmed.
- YouTube: Highlights and clips may be available post-event on Baeksang’s official YouTube channel.
Fans should check the official Baeksang website or social media for updates on global streaming options closer to the date. In 2024, international streaming details were not fully announced until nearer the event, so similar timing is expected.
Voting and Fan Participation
Fans can vote for the Prizm Popularity Award through the Prizm app, available on iOS and Android. The voting period closed on May 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM KST. Indian fans and international viewers participated actively, with instructions shared on platforms like Reddit and fan pages. Some fans previously used the Idol Champ app for voting, but Prizm is the official platform for 2025.
Venue and Ticketing
The ceremony will be held at COEX Hall D, a spacious venue in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, known for hosting major events. Tickets are primarily for foreigners through platforms like KoreaTravelEasy and Trazy, with prices varying by seating zone. Tickets are non-refundable, and seat allocation is first-come, first-served. Attendees must present ID for entry, and prohibited items (e.g., knives, large cameras) are strictly banned.
Past attendees noted long durations (over four hours) without intermissions, with some seated in plastic chairs, which surprised high-ticket buyers. Arriving early is advised, as latecomers may be denied entry after the performance starts.
Netizen Reactions
Fans expressed excitement and opinions across social media:
“I’m so thrilled for Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon’s nominations! Lovely Runner deserves all the love.”
“When Life Gives You Tangerines with IU and Park Bo Gum is sweeping the noms! Can’t wait to see Kim Seon Ho on stage.”
“The Reply 1997 reunion with Seo In Guk and Jeong Eun Ji is going to be iconic!”
“Hoping for fair voting this year after the popularity poll drama. Baeksang needs to keep it transparent.”
These reactions highlight the anticipation for both the awards and the nostalgic reunions.
Special Highlights
The 2025 ceremony includes unique elements:
- The Broadcasting category rename reflects the shift to include OTT platforms like Netflix and TVING.
- The GUCCI IMPACT AWARD honors content with social impact, presented by Kim Shin Rok and Cho Hyun Chul.
- Reunions of iconic drama pairs, like Seo In Guk and Jeong Eun Ji, add emotional depth.
- Previews of 2025 films, such as Omniscient Reader and Pavane, build excitement for upcoming releases.
Recent Updates
As of May 3, 2025, the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards preparations are complete, with the presenter lineup finalized and voting for the Prizm Popularity Award closed. The ceremony is poised to be a major event, with When Life Gives You Tangerines and Lovely Runner leading nominations. Fans are eagerly awaiting the live broadcast and potential streaming updates for international viewers.
Also Read: Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok Win 2025 Baeksang Arts Awards Popularity Vote Amid Macro Controversy
CREDITS: Baeksang Instagram
