05-05-2025
Baeksang Arts Awards 2025: Winners, history and why it's Korea's most prestigious night
From record-setting wins to red carpet moments, here's your guide to the Baeksang Arts Awards—Korea's most prestigious celebration of film, TV and theatre
Each spring, as cherry blossoms fall and filming wraps across the peninsula, Seoul's brightest stars emerge for the Baeksang Arts Awards. It's the crown jewel of Korea's entertainment calendar—where actors, directors, playwrights and idols trade the set for the spotlight, arriving in couture and commanding the red carpet like a runway.
A cultural event with the gravitas of the Oscars, the flair of the Emmys, and the fashion spectacle of the Met Gala (with a uniquely Korean twist), the Baeksangs are where household names and breakout talents collide. From emotional speeches and closely watched wins to style statements that spark headlines, this is the night when Korea's entertainment elite—and their fans—hold their breath.
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But the ceremony is more than a glamorous affair. With a legacy that spans nearly six decades, the Baeksang Arts Awards are a celebration of creative excellence, cultural influence and artistic achievement across film, television and theatre. Whether you're a seasoned K-entertainment fan or a curious newcomer, here's what you need to know—from its storied history and record-setting winners to the behind-the-scenes moments that have defined the event.
Above 'Deaf Sam-yong' is the first film to be awarded at the Baeksang Arts Awards (Photo: IMDB)
First held in 1965, the Baeksang Arts Awards were established by Chang Key-young, founder of the Korean newspaper Hankook Ilbo, to honour outstanding contributions to popular culture. The name 'Baeksang' comes from Chang's pen name, meaning 'white elephant'—a symbol of wisdom, strength and distinction.
Over the decades, the ceremony has grown in stature, expanding its categories and moving from intimate venues to high-profile stages like COEX in Seoul. In 2019, the iconic trophy was redesigned as a tribute to the 'Creative Human,' reflecting the evolving landscape of Korean storytelling and performance.
Today, the Baeksangs are considered one of Korea's most prestigious awards, recognising excellence not only in film and television, but also in theatre—an inclusion that underscores the awards' deep respect for the full spectrum of performing arts.
How are the winners chosen?
Above Lee Byung-hun is one of the most awarded actors (Photo: IMDB)
What sets the Baeksangs apart is their rigorous judging process. A panel of 60 respected industry professionals across film, television and theatre reviews all eligible works released between April 1 of the previous year and March 31 of the current year. The goal: to honour creative merit and cultural impact over popularity or commercial success.
The Grand Prize, or Daesang, was introduced in 1974 and remains the most coveted accolade. Unlike other categories, Daesang nominees are not disclosed publicly in advance, adding a layer of anticipation to the event. There are 31 categories in total, including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting roles, Best Director, Best Screenplay and the two Daesang awards for film and television. Record holders and notable wins
The first Baeksang Arts Awards in 1965 were modest in scale, with few categories. Deaf Sam-yong (1964) won Best Film, while its director Shin Sang-ok and lead actor Kim Jin-kyu were honoured for their roles. Acting awards for women were introduced a year later, and television and theatre categories followed about a decade after the debut ceremony.
Legendary actress Kim Hye-ja holds the record for the most Grand Prize (Daesang) wins at the Baeksang Arts Awards, with four accolades spanning from 1979 to 2019. Her illustrious career includes standout performances in both television and film. Meanwhile, actor Lee Byun-hun has the most wins for a male actor. He has seven Best Actor accolades across film and television and a total of 17 nominations. He's also nominated for the 2025 edition for his performance in the movie The Match .
As for projects, the 2024 film Exhuma was nominated eight times and won four; meanwhile, 2019's When the Camellia Blooms received nine nominations, winning four.
The 2020 edition was held without a live audience due to COVID-19 restrictions, but it still delivered memorable moments. That year, Bong Joon-ho received the Grand Prize for Parasite , even as he missed out on the Best Director award. The film also won Best Film, further cementing its global and domestic legacy.
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