The 60th Baeksang Arts Awards, known as one of the most prestigious award shows in the Korean entertainment industry, has announced this year's nominations and netizens are not too happy.

The Baeksang Arts Awards are highly anticipated every year, as they recognize excellence in Korean film, television, and theatre. Not just artists but fans also look forward to this night, hoping for acknowledgment for their favorite works and actors. While it is not possible for everyone's favorite artist to receive a nod or take home an award, this year, the nominations have been causing quite the controversy all over the world.

Korean netizens and global fans are unanimously discontent with the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards nominations, especially in the TV category. So, this article and analysis focus exclusively on the controversy surrounding the TV nominations.

 

60th Baeksang Arts Awards Nominations - Sentiment Analysis

We pulled and analyzed posts from all over the internet, such as on X, Instagram, and NATE PANN, to understand this controversy and highlight fans' opinions, concerns, and protestations. What we noticed was that fans from all over the world, regardless of whether they are Korean or international, shared similar opinions on the nominations this time, particularly in regards to actors who were snubbed.

Before we get into our findings, let's take a brief look at the nominations that are causing the most contention with the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards. 

Categories under "TV" that are taking the most heat are "Best Actor" and "Best Actress".

In the "Best Actor (TV)" category, the nominations are Kim SooHyun for "Queen Of Tears", NamKoong Min for "My Dearest", Ryu SeungRyong for "Moving", Yoo YeonSeok for "A Bloody Lucky Day", and Yim SiWan for "Boyhood".

In the "Best Actress (TV)" category, we have Ra MiRan for "The Good Bad Mother", Ahn EunJin for "My Dearest", Uhm JungHwa for "Doctor Cha", Lee HaNee for "Knight Flower", and Lim JiYeon for "Lies Hidden In My Garden".

Rather than directly expressing disapproval of the nominated actors, fans are more upset with the actors and actresses who deserved nominations but were not named. You can check out our sentiment analysis chart below for more clarity.

As depicted in the chart, an overwhelming majority of netizens, constituting 78.7%, voiced dissatisfaction with the nominations. Conversely, only a marginal 5.8% displayed enthusiasm, while 15.5% remained neutral, neither impressed nor disappointed.

 

Criticism Of Selection Criteria

Netizens who showed a negative response raised questions about and criticism of the selection process, including doubts on whether the process was fair after all. The criteria used for nominations were brought into discussion alongside factors like viewership ratings and OTT ranking.

For those who might not know, the Baeksang Arts Awards nominees were chosen from K-Dramas that aired between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. A K-Drama will have to have aired at least one-third of its episodes by March 31 to qualify for a nomination. That is why the ongoing K-Drama "Queen Of Tears" was considered for the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards.

However, many fans were not too fond of the fact that a K-Drama that hasn't even finished airing was chosen for a category, whereas actors from several popular and beloved K-Dramas were not.

As many netizens disagreed with the standards of the Baeksang Arts Awards by which nominees are decided, they renounced the credibility of the same.

 

Actors Who Deserved Nominations, According To Global Fans

Six names stood out among the numerous posts we analyzed - Kim JiWon, Kim TaeRi, Ji ChangWook, Lee DongWook, Park BoYoung, and Shin HaeSun.

Among them, Kim JiWon is the actress fans are advocating for the most, even more so because Kim SooHyun has been nominated for the "Best Actor" category, but Kim JiWon did not get a "Best Actress" nomination. Fans are quite upset and disconcerted about the reasoning behind such a decision when Kim JiWon, who is playing the title role of one of the most successful K-Dramas right now, has not been nominated.

Comparisons between the ratings of "Queen Of Tears" versus those of "Lies Hidden In My Garden", intended to highlight Kim JiWon's snub, were also drawn, although the argument was quickly shut down when other comments emphasized that the Baeksang Arts Awards does not present awards based on ratings as last year, Kim JiWon's own drama "My Liberation Notes" was nominated for "Best Drama" despite its considerably lower ratings. Both Son SukKu and Kim JiWon were also nominated for "Best Actor" and "Best Actress" respectively.

Another upsetting snub this year, according to fans, was that of Kim TaeRi, who delivered a spellbinding performance in "Revenant". Netizens are mentioning that if Kim TaeRi had been nominated, she would undoubtedly have taken the award home. However, it's a pity that her performance was overlooked.

Similarly, Park BoYoung was brought up in discussion, with many pointing out that Park BoYoung has consistently been snubbed by the Baeksang Arts Awards despite her excellent performances, such as in "Daily Dose Of Sunshine".

Shin HaeSun was also mentioned by several fans, who asserted that the actress' performance in "Welcome To Samdal-ri" was deserving of a nomination.

In response, some netizens who are neutral about the nominees mentioned that while it is true that there are other deserving candidates, the actresses who have been nominated are also incredible, and none of them can be replaced.

In the "Best Actor" category, netizens expressed the most frustration over Ji ChangWook and Lee DongWook being snubbed. Ji ChangWook, who impressed with his brilliant acting skills and range in the Disney+ K-Drama "The Worst Of Evil" and Lee DongWook, who made viewers fall in love with him all over again in "A Shop For Killers", also on Disney+, definitely deserved nominations, according to netizens. International netizens were most vocal about this exclusion.

Once again, there were opinions that these actors were outstanding in their respective roles but the current nominees simply cannot be replaced.

What do you think about the Baeksang Arts Awards nominations this year? Tell us on X!

The 60th Baeksang Arts Awards will be held on May 7, 2024 (Tue) at 5:00 PM KST in COEX Hall D, Seoul.

2024 is proving to be an amazing year for K-Dramas and we love to see it. With the screen comebacks of top stars, rising actors making their mark on the industry, and the increasing versatility of genres, 2024 will undoubtedly give renewed impetus to Hallyu. As we step into April 2024, a number of exciting K-Dramas await.

From thrillers and fantasy to historical and crime, there's something for everyone this month. So, we compiled some of the most highly anticipated April 2024 K-Dramas in a watchlist for you!

Here are 5 April 2024 K-Dramas that you absolutely do not want to miss!

Note: This watchlist is not a ranking. It includes select K-Dramas airing on Korean national television as well as Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ original series.

 

Top 5 April 2024 K-Dramas

1. "Parasyte: The Grey"

When & Where: April 5, Netflix

Cast: Jeon SoNee, Koo KyoHwan, Lee JungHyun, Kwon HaeHyo

Summary: Based on the popular manga "Parasyte" by Hitoshi Iwaaki, "Parasyte: The Grey" will tell the story of how humans fight back against strange parasitic creatures trying to feed off of human hosts and steal their consciousness. While these worms try to expand their power and take over the control of society, can co-existence be possible?

Reasons To Watch: If you're a fan of the anime "Parasyte: The Maxim" or the manga "Parasyte", you have to tune into the April 2024 K-Drama "Parasyte: The Grey". The fact that the show is created by Yeon SangHo, and stars outstanding actors like Koo KyoHwan, Jeon SoNee and Lee JungHyun is reason enough to be hyped and we cannot wait to see what they have in store for us.

 

2. "Lovely Runner"

When & Where: April 8, Viki

Cast: Kim HyeYoon, Byeon WooSeok

Summary: "Lovely Runner" follows the story of Ryu SunJae (Byeon WooSeok), a popular star who passes away unexpectedly. However, a twist of fate gives him a second chance at life when his devoted fan, Im Sol (Kim HyeYoon), travels back in time to prevent the tragedy.

Reasons To Watch: "Lovely Runner" is arguably the most highly awaited romance drama among April 2024 K-Dramas. Kim HyeYoon and Byeon WooSeok are an absolute dream pair, and their heart-fluttering chemistry (especially the height difference) is giving us all the butterflies already! We cannot wait for this show to start airing.

 

3. "Blood Free"

When & Where: April 10, Disney Plus

Cast: Han HyoJoo, Ju JiHoon, Lee HeeJun, Lee MuSaeng

Summary: BF (Blood Free) is a company dominating the genetically engineered cultured meat market but when CEO Yoon JaYoo's (Han HyoJoo) vision starts being questioned, she realizes that her life is on the line. JaYoo meets the mysterious Woo ChaeWoon (Ju JiHoon), who starts working as her bodyguard.

Reasons To Watch: Much like other Disney Plus originals recently, "Blood Free" is a star-studded K-Drama with a novel premise. Viewers' expectations are sky high for this April 2024 K-Drama, and why wouldn't they be when some of the best actors have come together for this project? Besides, Disney Plus has established a reputation for its high-quality originals and we're hoping that this one is going to be no exception.

 

4. "Chief Detective 1958"

When & Where: April 19, Disney Plus

Cast: Lee JeHoon, Seo EunSoo, Lee DongHwi, Choi WooSung, Yoon HyunSoo

Summary: The story of a passionate young detective, Park YoungHan (Lee JeHoon), who cannot stand injustice. He teams up with his colleagues at Jongnam Police Station in Seoul to fight crime in an age where technology wasn't as advanced as it is today.

Reasons To Watch: Lee JeHoon fighting crime again? Sign us up! This April 2024 K-Drama is one of the most highly anticipated K-Dramas of the year, and for good reason! With a retro setting, this K-Drama is going to evoke nostalgia for an age many of us have never experienced and make us fall in love with it. Besides, the cast - which combines experienced stars and rising young actors, is sure to draw your attention.

 

5. "Missing Crown Prince"

When & Where: April 13, Viki

Cast: EXO's SuHo, Hong YeJi, Kim MinKyu

Summary: The crown prince of the nation has been kidnapped by a woman fated to be the princess! As they flee, a gentle romance blooms between the two.

Reasons To Watch: SuHo of EXO captivated global K-Drama audiences with his performance in "Behind Your Touch," heightening anticipation for his upcoming lead role in "Missing Crown Prince." Joining him is super rookie Hong YeJi, celebrated for her role in "Love Song For Illusion," garnering a devoted following, and rising star Kim MinKyu, making fans curious about the characters' relationships. You don't want to miss this one!

One of the best K-Dramas on air right now is the Disney+ original "A Shop For Killers". Starring Lee DongWook, Kim HyeJun, Seo HyunWoo, Park JiBin, and many more talented actors, this novel-based K-Drama tells the story of a young woman who is suddenly thrown into a world of arms and assassins when her uncle mysteriously passes away.

With extraordinary writing and cinematography, brilliant characterization, and outstanding acting, this K-Drama is quickly rising to the top of our "best action K-Dramas" list, but what anchors the audience to the core of the story is the exploration of human relationships - found family, belonging, and the unbreakable bonds that keep them glued together like destiny's chosen crew and in this case, it's more than just the green code of "murthehelp".

One of the simplest, most immediate, and visceral reactions to "A Shop For Killers," right from the opening scene, is that this is some cool stuff. The larger-than-life scale, the high stakes, and the direness of the situation that the viewer and the protagonist, JiAn (Kim HyeJun), are plunged into sans warning leave no time to rationalize what may be happening. The show thus begins in medias res, posing an immediate obstacle to overcome, grabbing our attention at once. This also allows for a back-and-forth between timelines, which is exactly what "A Shop For Killers" does, cleverly oscillating between revealing and concealing information, keeping the audience guessing.

It is also revealed very early into the show that Jeong JinMan (played by Lee DongWook) is dead, but instead of repetitive flashbacks risking monotony, the non-linear narrative structure of "A Shop For Killers" allows for thrilling exposition while also evoking a sense of ambiguity, effortlessly posing the pivotal question - "Could Jeong JinMan be alive?". The more we know about the man, the cooler he gets, and the more likely this becomes.

So, what exactly is cool about Jeong JinMan and his secret society of "murthehelp" or his adversaries "Babylon?" Let's find out.

Spoiler Alert!

 

The Anatomy Of Cool

Everyone has different definitions of what is cool, but viewers of "A Shop For Killers", at least a majority of them, would agree that it is one of the coolest K-Dramas we have seen in a while. However, it is surprisingly difficult to pinpoint what exactly it is that makes "A Shop For Killers" so cool. To understand this, let's take a look at the famous MAYA principle, pioneered by the Father of Industrial Design - Raymond Loewy.

MAYA stands for “Most Advanced Yet Acceptable”, and this is the key to coolness. MAYA reflects Loewy's philosophy of design, emphasizing a balance between innovation and familiarity. He believed that successful designs should push the boundaries of innovation but also remain acceptable and accessible to the public. In other words, Loewy advocated for designs that are ahead of their time yet still conform to the expectations and comfort levels of the intended audience. Striking this balance helps create products that are not only technologically advanced but also readily embraced by users and, ultimately, perceived as cool.

So, it's not just the quality of being unconventional that makes something cool; it is being appropriately unconventional to shake up the existing scene yet familiar enough to make sure the audience connects with the content but also appropriately familiar so as to not be redundant.

An article by Caleb Warren and Margaret C. Campbell in the "Journal of Consumer Research" titled "What Makes Things Cool? How Autonomy Influences Perceived Coolness" takes this a step further, suggesting that coolness is directly related to the display of autonomy. The article defines "coolness" as follows: "coolness is a subjective and dynamic, socially constructed positive trait attributed to cultural objects (people, brands, products, trends, etc.) inferred to be appropriately autonomous".

In other words, what is cool to you and what is cool to me are different, but this feeling may or may not change with time. However, that "something" is cool only because one thinks it is cool. Coolness is not its inherent quality. It is definitely a compliment, though! Most importantly, what makes us think it is cool are qualities that represent autonomy like "unconventionality, rebellion, individuality, authenticity, and independence" but only when they are present in just the right amount. The key lies in striking the perfect balance.

 

How Does This Apply To "A Shop For Killers"? 

Before anything else, let's look at the very name of this K-Drama - "A Shop For Killers". Evoking curiosity and intrigue at once, we already know this is not going to be your usual K-Drama, and everything is not as it seems. On the one hand, it may be hard to believe that a "killer's shopping mall" exists, even more so when it is owned by someone's seemingly inconspicuous uncle with a hose business, but at the same time, it is not entirely impossible to the point of needing to suspend disbelief. Hence, balance.

What amplifies this aspect further is the genre because, in essence, we have an action drama, a family drama, a coming-of-age drama, and a military drama - all in one!

"A Shop For Killers" is an action drama with a heavy emphasis on arms and ammunition. From the very first episodes, we are presented with advanced technology, such as gun-mounted drones, killer robots, or lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS), but the show never crosses the line to sci-fi territory, which is what tethers the audience to the realism of the story. It is quite unlikely for the general public to be thoroughly educated about such warfare technology, which makes us inquisitive, but it's still relatively easy to understand and adapt to, which is reassuring.

Similarly, the human aspect of the drama is strongly constructed, placing a focus on the relationships between JiAn and JinMan, JinMan's allies MinHye (Geum Hannah), Brother (Lee TaeYoung), and Pasin (Kim Min), JinMan's enemies - Lee SeongJo (Seo HyunWoo), Bale (Jo HanSun) and Bae JongMin (Park JiBin), and the fateful past they share. So, it's not as much the intricacy and complexity of the action scenes that make this drama so cool (although they do play a crucial part); it is the "who, what, why, how, where" of it all that does the trick. From assassins in the living room to mercenaries in a foreign country - the contextual appropriateness makes it cool.

Then, we have the narrative structure of "A Shop For Killers". As mentioned earlier, the non-linear structure, constant back and forth between timelines, and the introduction of new characters in the past, making us wonder about their current state and alliances - all contribute to the stunning tension and novelty of the series. Lining up the events of the drama so far in their correct order would have left us with a singular conflict: Will JiAn make it out alive? Yet, by deconstructing the timeline, we are now left wondering about how many allies of murthehelp will come to "Green Code" JiAn's aid, why SeongJo and Bale fell out with JinMan, how Bale survived the explosion, how Bae JongMin tricked JinMan, and the biggest of all - if it's all just JinMan's grand plan to induct JiAn into murthehelp while getting rid of Babylon once and for all, which would perhaps imply that he faked his death after all.

By introducing the characters, allowing us to explore certain aspects of them, yet withholding enough information about them until an undetermined point of time to have us on edge, "A Shop For Killers" earns our empathy, reaffirms our familiarity with the characters when they appear again, while simultaneously divulging new information that challenges our understanding of them. Once again - the perfect balance to keep the audience engaged and intrigued. Cool, isn't it?

Finally, the biggest factor that makes "A Shop For Killers" so unbeatably cool is its characters. With some of the most well-written characters, "A Shop For Killers" has already placed itself in a league above the rest.

 

"A Shop For Killers" Characters - Everything Cool Is Here

Jeong JinMan's most predominant and defining feature is his air of omniscience. JinMan is always a step (or twenty) ahead of everyone else and everything seems to go perfectly according to his plan, most of the time at least. He seems to know exactly how the course of events will pan out following his "death" and has prepared well in advance for it. He had their home renovated to be a safe house, had cameras and speakers set up everywhere, and has a living, breathing surveillance system in his basement. He prepared a handover guide with uncanny precision for JiAn's situation and even arranged for JiAn to start over in her new life after escaping from the shopping mall. There's no way such a man would be tricked by a kid into suicide. However, the fact that it was his niece's voice that he heard over the phone and his unwillingness to take even the slightest chance becomes his tragic flaw, ultimately leading to his downfall...or so we are led to believe.

Lee DongWook's portrayal of this all-knowing, near-perfect being is gold-standard brilliance. The composure on his face at all times, born from the feeling of JinMan having everything under control as opposed to how flustered he can get with his Gen Z niece JiAn, is one of the most entertaining parts of the show and also the coolest! Jeong JinMan's web of connections, his level of preparation and foresight, and his fighting skills are pretty much superhuman. However, his bickering with JiAn, meddling in her love life, and being overprotective of his little girl endear him to us as an ordinary human being. When Jeong JinMan goes, "Listen Up, Jeong JiAn", we know it's going to be one of two things - he's about to drop the most life-changing survival tip on a random Thursday afternoon, or he's going to nag at JiAn again, and that duality of being unapproachable yet familiar is where his coolness lies.

Similarly, we have JiAn, who starts off with fear and doubt but grows to trust her own instincts and fights for murthehelp, thus developing high autonomy; Pasin and MinHye - fantastic fighters who wouldn't go against JinMan but have their own codes of conduct, hence displaying bounded but high autonomy; and Bae JongMin - a talented hacker with a gun to his head who acts on his moderate autonomy to strike a deal with Babylon to save his life. Even Brother, who seems to conform completely to JinMan's rules, has his own way of going about things, an example of moderate autonomy. All these characters are undoubtedly cool but in their own distinct ways.

On the other end of the autonomy spectrum, we have Bale - the primary antagonist of the show and a downright psychopath. Bale displays extreme autonomy. Not only is his behavior divergent from the norm, it is pure evil - not cool. Then, we have SeongJo, with low to no autonomy, working under Bale's command. Does this mean these characters are not cool? Well, not exactly. The show doesn't intend for these characters to be perceived as "cool" in the traditional sense of the word.

Bale elicits an intense, gut-wrenching fear in the audience. He is described as a soulless killing machine, and Jo HanSun does a tremendous job of bringing his character's darkness to light. SeongJo, on the other hand, evokes mild apprehension, irritation, and perhaps a bit of comic relief at best with his antics. However, he wouldn't dare move on his own, so there's not much cool about him, really. Nevertheless, the satoori does bring to mind a peculiar uniqueness of Bane's kind from "Batman", so he definitely knows how to make his presence known.

In conclusion, the above framework of coolness, just like coolness itself, is definitely subjective, but it certainly puts things into one perspective. It will be interesting to see how much cooler "A Shop For Killers" gets in its final week. We're definitely tuning in, are you?

Watch "A Shop For Killers" on Disney+.