South Korea experienced one of the most important nights of the year for entertainment: the 2026 Baeksang Arts Awards. The 62nd edition of the ceremony, often referred to as the “Korean Oscars,” brought together the biggest stars of cinema, K-dramas, and Asian entertainment in Seoul.
Between standing ovations, tears, emotional speeches, and moments that quickly went viral on social media, the Baeksang Awards once again confirmed their central role in Korean culture and in the global expansion of Hallyu, the Korean Wave that continues to captivate international audiences.
An increasingly global event
In recent years, the Baeksang Arts Awards have expanded far beyond South Korea’s borders. They are no longer simply national awards; today, they represent one of the most important events for the entire Asian entertainment industry.
Series distributed through Netflix, Disney+, and international streaming platforms now dominate the nominations, proving how K-dramas have become a worldwide phenomenon.
The 2026 edition took place at COEX Hall D in Seoul and was broadcast nationally on JTBC, while also streaming online for international viewers.
The iconic Baeksang trio
Hosting the ceremony once again were three beloved stars of Korean entertainment:
- Suzy
- Park Bo-gum
- Shin Dong-yup
Their presence has become a tradition. Their elegance, humor, and chemistry on stage have turned the trio into one of the modern symbols of the Baeksang Awards.
On Korean social media, many fans described this edition as “the most emotional in recent years.”
Hyun Bin wins over the audience
One of the most talked-about moments of the evening was Hyun Bin’s victory as Best TV Actor for the drama Made in Korea.
The actor, already globally beloved for series such as Crash Landing on You, received a long standing ovation from the audience in attendance.
His performance was praised for its emotional intensity and artistic maturity, marking one of the highest points of his career.
For many Korean critics, this victory represents Hyun Bin’s definitive return to the top of the television industry.
Park Bo-young dominates the female category
Another major star of the night was Park Bo-young, who won Best TV Actress for Our Unwritten Seoul.
The series became one of the year’s most acclaimed dramas thanks to its delicate and deeply emotional storytelling.
The actress’s performance captivated both critics and audiences for its authenticity and emotional sensitivity, with several Korean media outlets calling it the finest performance of her career.
The dramas that defined 2026
Among the evening’s biggest winners was You and Everything Else, which took home the award for Best Drama.
The series was praised for:
- its sophisticated screenplay,
- cinematic cinematography,
- and realistic themes about modern relationships.
Our Unwritten Seoul also achieved enormous success thanks to its refined direction and the cast’s powerful performances.
The 2026 Baeksang Awards confirmed an increasingly evident trend: audiences are seeking more mature, emotional, and cinematic storytelling.
Korean cinema continues to grow
The film categories also delivered major moments.
The Film Daesang (Grand Prize) was awarded to Yoo Hae-jin for The King’s Warden, while Park Jeong-min won Best Film Actor.
The quality level of Korean cinema continues to remain extraordinarily high, confirming South Korea as one of the world’s most influential film industries.
Following the international success of Parasite, global audiences are paying closer attention than ever to Korean award ceremonies.
A historic new category for Korean musicals
One of the biggest innovations at the 2026 Baeksang Arts Awards was the official introduction of a category dedicated to Korean musicals.
For the first time in the ceremony’s history, the Baeksang Awards decided to include musical theatre among the honored arts, marking a significant milestone for Korea’s cultural industry.
The decision was not accidental: 2026 coincides with the 60th anniversary of modern musical theatre in South Korea and reflects the growing international popularity of K-musicals.
With this expansion, the Baeksang Awards reaffirm their desire to represent every form of contemporary Korean entertainment — from cinema and K-dramas to musical theatre, which is increasingly appreciated by global audiences.
The streaming revolution
One of the most interesting aspects of the modern Baeksang Awards is the growing importance of streaming platforms.
Netflix, Disney+, TVING, and Coupang Play now compete directly with Korea’s traditional television broadcasters.
Many of the dramas awarded in 2026 were OTT productions, a sign of an irreversible transformation in the way audiences consume entertainment content.
This shift has made the Baeksang Awards even more influential internationally.
All winners of the 2026 Baeksang Arts Awards
Television Daesang (Grand Prize) — Ryu Seung-ryong (The Dream Life of Mr. Kim)
Film Daesang (Grand Prize) — Yoo Hae-jin (The King’s Warden)
Best Drama — You and Everything Else
Best Film — No Other Choice
Best TV Actor — Hyun Bin (Made in Korea)
Best TV Actress — Park Bo-young (Our Unwritten Seoul)
Best Film Actor — Park Jeong-min (The Ugly)
Best Film Actress — Moon Ga-young (Once We Were Us)
Best TV Director — Park Shin-woo (Our Unwritten Seoul)
Best Film Director — Kim Chang-hoon (No Other Choice)
Best TV Screenplay — Song Hye Jin (You and Everything Else)
Best Film Screenplay — Lee Kang (The King’s Warden)
Best Supporting TV Actor — Yoo Seung Mok (The Dream Life of Mr. Kim)
Best Supporting TV Actress — Lim Soo-jung (Low Life)
Best Supporting Film Actor — Lee Sung Min (The King’s Warden)
Best Supporting Film Actress — Seol In-ah (Dark River)
Best New TV Actor — Lee Chae Min (Bon Appetit, Your Majesty)
Best New TV Actress — Bang Hyo Rin (Aema)
Best New Film Actor — Park Ji-hoon (The King’s Warden)
Best New Film Actress — Kim Min-ha (Summer of 1999)
Male Popularity Award — Park Ji-hoon
Female Popularity Award — Im YoonA
Technical Award — Kang Seung Won (The Seasons)
Gucci Impact Award — The King’s Warden
Best Theatre Production — The Sound of Winter Rain
Best Theatre Actor — Cho Young-kyu
Best Theatre Actress — Choi Hee-jin
