When life gives you Tangerines’ Shines at Baeksang 2025

The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, South Korea’s premier celebration of excellence in film, TV, and theatre, lit up Seoul’s Coex on May 5, 2025. With an evening full of surprises, standout performances, and emotional moments, Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines emerged as one of the biggest winners — although its leading stars, Park Bo-gum and IU, left empty-handed in the acting categories.

Hosted by the charismatic trio of Shin Dong-yup, Bae Suzy, and Park Bo-gum himself, the star-studded ceremony recognized top-tier talent across the entertainment spectrum.

Tangerines Take the Spotlight

When Life Gives You Tangerines, a heartfelt K-drama inspired by a real-life couple from Jeju, captured hearts and awards alike. The show won Best Drama, Best Screenplay (Im Sang-choon), and both Best Supporting Actor (Choi Dae-hoon) and Best Supporting Actress (Yeom Hye-ran). However, fans were surprised as both Park Bo-gum and IU missed out on Best Actor and Best Actress honors.

Big Wins in Film

On the film side, the historical thriller Harbin, starring Hyun Bin, took home Best Film, while cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo received the Grand Prize. The critically acclaimed Revolver also made waves — Oh Seung-wook won Best Director, and Jeon Do-yeon secured Best Actress for her powerful role. Jo Jung-suk was named Best Actor for Pilot.

Rising Stars and Fresh Talent

This year’s awards highlighted a wave of new talent:

Chae Won-bin (Doubt) and Choo Young-woo (The Tale of Lady Ok) won Best New Actress and Best New Actor in TV.

Roh Yoon-seo (Hear Me: Our Summer) and Jung Sung Il (Uprising) won their respective Best New Actor/Actress awards in film.

Oh Jung-min was recognized as Best New Director for House of the Seasons.

Variety, Theatre, and More

Other highlights:

Best Variety Show: Punghyanggo

Best Male/Female Entertainers: Shin Dong-yup and Lee Soo-ji

Best Technical Direction (TV): Jang Yeong-gyu for music in Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born

Best Scenario: Shin Chul & Park Chan-wook for Uprising

Gucci Impact Award: The Land of Morning Calm

Prizm Popularity Award: Byeon Woo-seok & Kim Hye-yoon (Lovely Runner)

In the theatre category, Seoul Metropolitan Theatre’s Tungso-sori won the Baeksang Theatre Award, and Gongnori Club’s Dried Pepper and Peach Scent Lipstick was honored with the Young Theatre Award. Kwak Ji Sook took home Best Acting in Theatre for Jews of Malta.

This year’s Baeksang Awards once again showcased the rich diversity, depth, and innovation driving South Korea’s entertainment industry — from poignant dramas and blockbuster films to emerging voices and timeless performances.