IU & Park Bo-gum Shine at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards 2025: Netflix and Korean Cinema Triumph
This year, Netflix originals and Korean cinema stole the spotlight, with global stars like IU and Park Bo-gum drawing attention from international fans. Whether you’re a K-drama enthusiast or a Korean film lover, here’s a comprehensive look at the winners, highlights, and the growing global influence of the Baeksang Arts Awards.
What Are the Baeksang Arts Awards?
Established in 1965, the Baeksang Arts Awards are often called Korea’s equivalent of the Golden Globes. The ceremony honors outstanding achievements in film, television, and theater. With a legacy spanning over 60 years, Baeksang is a barometer for trends in Korean pop culture and a launchpad for international recognition.
- Date: May 5, 2025
- Venue: COEX D Hall, Seoul
- Hosts: Shin Dong-yup, Suzy, Park Bo-gum
- Eligibility: Works released between April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
- Broadcast: JTBC, TVING (streaming)
Key Highlights: Netflix and Korean Stars Dominate
- Netflix’s “The Whirlwind” (“폭싹 속았수다”) won Best Drama and multiple acting awards, confirming the platform’s dominance in K-content.
- IU (Lee Ji-eun) was nominated for Best Actress for her role in “The Whirlwind,” continuing her global popularity.
- Park Bo-gum was nominated for Best Actor, further cementing his status as an international K-drama icon.
- “Harbin” swept the film categories, taking both the Grand Prize (Daesang) and Best Film.
- “Chef Wars: Black & White” (“흑백요리사: 요리 계급 전쟁”) won the TV Grand Prize, highlighting the rise of Korean reality shows on global platforms.
Major Winners: 61st Baeksang Arts Awards 2025
TV & Streaming Categories
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Grand Prize (Daesang) | Netflix “Chef Wars: Black & White” |
| Best Drama | Netflix “The Whirlwind” |
| Best Director | Song Yeon-hwa, MBC “Betrayal So Intimate” |
| Best Screenplay | Im Sang-chun, Netflix “The Whirlwind” |
| Best Actor | Ju Ji-hoon, Netflix “Trauma Center” |
| Best Actress | Kim Tae-ri, tvN “Jeong Nyeon” |
| Best Supporting Actor | Choi Dae-hoon, Netflix “The Whirlwind” |
| Best Supporting Actress | Yum Hye-ran, Netflix “The Whirlwind” |
| Best New Actor | Chu Young-woo, JTBC “Mrs. Ok” |
| Best New Actress | Chae Won-bin, MBC “Betrayal So Intimate” |
| Best Variety Show | “Poonghyang GO” (DdeunDdeun) |
| Best Male Entertainer | Shin Dong-yup |
| Best Female Entertainer | Lee Soo-ji |
| Best Educational Show | SBS “Special: Hakjeon and Kim Min-ki” |
| Best Artistic Achievement | Jang Young-gyu (Music), tvN “Jeong Nyeon” |
Film Categories
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Grand Prize (Daesang) | Hong Kyung-pyo (Cinematography), “Harbin” |
| Best Film | “Harbin” |
| Best Director | Oh Seung-wook, “Revolver” |
| Best Actor | Jo Jung-suk, “Pilot” |
| Best Actress | Jeon Do-yeon, “Revolver” |
| Best Supporting Actor | Yoo Jae-myung, “Land of Happiness” |
| Best Supporting Actress | Soo-hyun, “A Normal Family” |
| Best New Director | Oh Jung-min, “Jangson” |
Theater & Special Prizes
- Best Play: “Seoul City Troupe – Tungsosori”
- Young Theater Award: “Ball Play Club – Dried Peppers and Peach Lipstick”
- Best Theater Actor: Kwak Ji-sook (“The Jew of Malta”)
- Prism Popularity Award: Byun Woo-seok, Kim Hye-yoon
- Gucci Impact Award: “Seagulls at Dawn”
Why the Baeksang Arts Awards Matter Globally
The Baeksang Arts Awards are a key indicator of what’s trending in Korean entertainment. With Netflix originals and K-dramas gaining international popularity, the ceremony is watched by fans worldwide. Stars like IU and Park Bo-gum are household names across Asia and beyond, and their presence at Baeksang always draws global attention.
The 2025 ceremony highlighted the rise of streaming platforms, the growing quality of Korean reality and variety shows, and the international success of Korean films. If you’re looking for the next big K-drama or film, Baeksang’s winners are a great place to start.
How to Watch Baeksang Winners
- Most TV drama winners are available on Netflix and TVING.
- Major films like “Harbin” and “Revolver” are expected to hit international streaming services soon.
- Follow official Baeksang channels and fan communities for updates and English-subtitled content.
Final Thoughts
The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards proved once again why Korean entertainment is taking the world by storm. With Netflix hits, acclaimed films, and global stars like IU and Park Bo-gum, the ceremony is a must-watch for anyone interested in Asian pop culture. Stay tuned for more K-content recommendations and award updates!
