The 2025 Baeksang Arts Awards brings a fierce battle for Best Actor in Television, featuring Park Bo-gum, Byun Woo-seok, Joo Ji-hoon, Lee Joon-hyuk, and Han Suk-kyu. Each nominee delivers a standout performance, making this one of the tightest races in recent years.
The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards celebrates excellence in South Korean film, television, and theater. Held on May 5, 2025, at COEX D Hall in Seoul, the ceremony will air live on JTBC, JTBC2, and JTBC4 at 8 p.m. KST. Nominees were chosen from works released between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, with at least one-third of series aired by March 31. A panel of 60 industry experts, critics, and scholars selected the candidates after intense discussions.
Park Bo-gum Shines in When Life Gives You Tangerines
Park Bo-gum stars as Yang Gwan-sik in Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines, a drama that earned nine nominations, including Best Drama and Best Screenplay. His character, a devoted and stubborn man, loves Oh Ae-soon (IU) from youth to adulthood.
Park Bo-gum portrays Gwan-sik’s journey with warmth and depth, blending toughness with tenderness. His ability to capture both nostalgic and timeless emotions has won over viewers. Fans on social media praise his sincere acting, with many calling it one of his best roles.
“Park Bo-gum’s performance feels like a warm hug. He makes Gwan-sik so real and relatable.”
“His chemistry with IU is perfect. You feel every moment of their love story.”
The drama’s strong cultural themes and stunning cinematography add weight to his performance, positioning him as a top contender.
Byun Woo-seok’s Breakout in Lovely Runner
Byun Woo-seok became a global star as Ryu Sun-jae in tvN’s Lovely Runner, a time-slip romance that secured six nominations, including Best Drama and Best Screenplay. His portrayal of a vulnerable idol in love has earned him massive fan support.
Byun Woo-seok brings depth to Sun-jae, playing a teenager, a swimmer, and an idol across multiple timelines. His emotional range has critics and viewers calling this his defining role. Posts on X highlight his impact, with fans celebrating his first Best Actor nomination.
“Byeon Woo-seok IS Ryu Sun-jae. He made me cry and smile in every episode.”
“From rookie to Best Actor nominee in two years—Byeon Woo-seok’s growth is amazing!”
His widespread popularity makes him a strong candidate for the trophy.
Lee Joon-hyuk’s Complex Role in Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard
Lee Joon-hyuk returns as Seo Dong-jae in TVING’s Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard, a spin-off of Stranger. His performance as a morally conflicted prosecutor seeking redemption is both intense and layered.
Lee Joon-hyuk humanizes Dong-jae’s flaws, earning praise for his sharp and emotional acting. Critics note his ability to balance ambition and vulnerability, making the character unforgettable. The series’ focus on moral dilemmas adds depth to his nomination.
“Lee Joon-hyuk makes Dong-jae so complex. You hate him but root for him.”
“His scenes are electric. He steals every moment.”
His nuanced performance places him among the top contenders.
Joo Ji-hoon’s Strength in The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
Joo Ji-hoon plays a trauma surgeon in Netflix’s The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, a medical drama nominated for Best Drama and Best Director. His character, Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk, faces life-or-death decisions with quiet resolve.
Joo Ji-hoon’s restrained yet powerful acting conveys the emotional weight of emergency medicine. Critics praise his ability to make every scene feel urgent and real. Fans on X celebrated his nomination, noting his perfect fit for the role.
“Joo Ji-hoon’s intensity is unmatched. He carries the drama’s heart.”
“No one else could play Dr. Baek like Joo Ji-hoon. He’s incredible.”
His grounded performance strengthens his chances in this competitive race.
Han Suk-kyu’s Mastery in Doubt
Han Suk-kyu, a veteran actor, stars as profiler Jang Tae-soo in MBC’s Doubt, a psychological thriller nominated for Best Drama and Best Director. His intellectual and emotionally subtle performance has been called a masterclass.
Han Suk-kyu balances authority and inner conflict, earning widespread acclaim. He also won the Daesang at the 2024 MBC Drama Awards for this role, boosting his Baeksang prospects. Critics and fans alike admire his commanding presence.
“Han Suk-kyu’s acting is on another level. Every look tells a story.”
“He makes Doubt unforgettable. A true legend.”
His experience and skill make him a formidable nominee.
A Diverse and Competitive Field
The Best Actor category spans genres, from romance to thrillers and medical dramas. Each nominee brings a unique strength, making the outcome unpredictable. When Life Gives You Tangerines leads with nine nominations, followed by Lovely Runner with six, showing strong support for Park Bo-gum and Byun Woo-seok.
Doubt and The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call also earned multiple nominations, highlighting Han Suk-kyu and Joo Ji-hoon’s impact. Lee Joon-hyuk’s solo nomination for Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard underscores his standout performance.
Public reactions on X show mixed predictions. Some fans believe Park Bo-gum or Byun Woo-seok will win due to their dramas’ popularity. Others argue Han Suk-kyu’s veteran status gives him an edge. The ceremony’s fan-voting component, via the Baeksang Arts Awards VOTE app or platforms like Idol Champ, could sway results, especially for Byun Woo-seok’s devoted fanbase.
Event Details and Expectations
The Baeksang Arts Awards is a prestigious event, partnered with Gucci for the third year. Held at COEX D Hall, it draws top stars and industry leaders. The Broadcasting category, renamed from Television, reflects the rise of OTT platforms like Netflix and TVING.
The ceremony will honor not only actors but also directors, writers, and technical achievements. Fans are eager to see who will claim the Best Actor trophy. Recent updates confirm all nominees are expected to attend, adding to the event’s excitement.
CREDITS: Daum
