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.

Wondering what are the most popular programs on Netflix in South Korea right now? Keep reading!

As a Netflix user, you've likely noticed the rich array of Korean dramas and TV shows available on the platform. It's essential to note that Netflix tailors its content to each country, ensuring a unique viewing experience. The dramas, TV shows, and movies accessible to viewers in Korea may differ from those in other countries, and the release schedule can vary too. Stay tuned to explore the most popular programs on Netflix in Korea through this ranking.

Netflix Korea has a top 10 ranking of daily popular content on its platform. These are the most popular programs of the day on Netflix in Korea based on February 26 data (retrieved on February 27, 13:50 PM KST, data of February 26).

1. "A Killer Paradox"

2. "Doctor Slump"

3. "Risqué Business: The Netherlands and Germany"

4. "Avatar: The Last Airbender"

5. "Captivating The King"

6. "Jun HyunMoo's Plan"

7. "Eye Love You"

8. "Korea-Khitan War"

9. "Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody"

10. "Ghost Doctor"

"A Killer Paradox", starring Choi WooShik, Son SukKu, and Lee HeeJun, is once again the #1 most-watched show on Netflix in South Korea. Other popular programs on Netflix Korea include "Doctor Slump", "Risqué Business: The Netherlands and Germany" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (live-action).

Ongoing K-Dramas on this list include "Doctor Slump", "Captivating The King" and "Korea-Khitan War".

The J-Drama "Eye Love You" starring Chae JongHyeop in the leading role is also a popular program on Netflix in South Korea. It is gaining love and attention internationally too.

"Ghost Doctor", starring Rain and Kim Beom, which was released in 2022, seems to be regaining popularity once more.

Are you watching any of the shows in the top 10 Netflix Korea ranking?

Are you a fan of historical dramas? Then, you don't want to miss out on the historical K-Dramas announced for 2024.

A few historical dramas were announced for 2024. We will keep updating throughout the year, so stay tuned. 

Web dramas are not included in this list and this is not a ranking.

This is not a ranking. Dramas starting in 2024 are included in this list.

 

1. "Love Song For Illusion"

When: January 2024

Cast: Park JiHoon, Hong YeJi, Ji Woo, Kim DongWon

Summary: It tells the story of a King with two opposite personalities and an assassin girl who wants to kill him but ends up falling in love with him.

Why Watch: The drama portrays a story of passionate romance and nail-biting suspense. It treads this line masterfully with an incredible performance from Park JiHoon and Hong YeJi.

This drama is based on the webtoon, "Love Song For Illusion".

 

2. "Flower That Blooms At Night"

When: January 12

Cast: Honey Lee, Lee JongWon

Summary: It is a comedy investigative historical drama that follows the story of a 15-year-long widow who is the daughter of a noble family and does not see anything of the outside world during the day, but crosses the fence at night to live a secret life.

Why watch: A mix of lightheartedness and mystery, "Flower That Blooms At Night" is a drama that will have you invested while smiling from ear to ear.

 

3. "Sejak: Charmed Deceit"

When: January 21

Cast: Cho JungSeok, Shin SaeKyeong

Summary: Depicts the cruel love story between King YiIn, who must face multiple dangers of power struggles, and Kang HeeSoo, who attempts to seduce the King in the name of revenge, but ends up falling for his charms instead.

Why Watch: A tale of romance and deceit, this drama is filled with various twists and turns that will keep audiences glued to their seats with every passing week.

 

4. "Tale Of Mrs. Ok"

When: TBA

Cast: Lim JiYeon and Choo YoungWoo (in talks)

Summary: Depicts the life of a female slave in the Joseon Dynasty and her passionate survival story.

Why Watch: -To be updated with the relase of the first teaser-

 

5. "Hong Rang"

When: TBA

Cast: Lee JaeWook, Cho BoAh, Jung GaRam, Park ByungEun

Summary: A drama that follows a long-lost son of Joseon's elite whom resurfaces carrying a load of hidden secrets. Alongside him is his persistent step-sister who looks to discover the truth.

Why Watch: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

Based on the novel, "Tangeum".

 

6. "Queen Woo"

When: TBA

Cast: Jun JongSeo, Kim MuYeol, Ji ChangWook, Jung YuMi, Lee SooHyuk, Park JiHwan

Summary: Set in the Goryeo era, the drama revolves around Lady Woo, the first ever woman in history to become a queen twice. She will be on the hunt for her new King within 24 hours after her previous husband, the King died.

Why Watch: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

 

7. "The Love Story Of Chunhwa"

When: TBA

Cast: Go Ara, Chang Ryul

Summary: The romance historical drama follows HwaRi, the youngest princess of the royal family who decides to find her husband by herself. Among her potential husbands is Choi Hwan, the wealthiest merchant with handsome good looks. He seems to hide a secret.

Why Watch: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

 

8. "Handwritten"

When: TBA

Cast: Seo InGuk (in talks)

Summary: The drama is set in the Joseon Dynasty and the story revolves around Kwon SooYoung, his journey to find his identity after losing his memory, and how he gets caught in a power struggle.

Why watch?: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

Adapted from the novel, "Jikpil".

 

9. "Haesi's Sinru"

When: TBA

Cast: Ahn BoHyun

Summary: In an extra space of the Joseon Palace, a burning triangle romance takes place between a mysterious woman and the monarchs of Korea and China.

Why Watch?: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

Adapted from the webtoon "Haesi's Sinru".

 

10. "Missing Crown Prince"

When: March 9, 2024 premiere

Cast: EXO's SuHo, Hong YeJi, Myung SeBin, Kim JooHeon, Kim MinKyu

Summary: A romantic comedy set in the Joseon era. Revolves around a crown prince who is kidnapped by the woman who is meant to become his wife.

Why Watch?: Enjoy the great chemistry between EXO's SuHo and Hong YeJi in this historical romance drama. Gte a chance to see more breathtaking Korean landscape, and dive into the beauty of Korean traditions.

 

11. "Won Kyung"

When: TBA

Cast: Cha JooYoung, Lee HyunWook

Summary: A story about Queen WonKyung and King TaeJeong. They work together to create a brand new regime, but eventually experience a downfall in their relationship.

Why Watch?: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

 

12. "Serenade"

When: TBA

Cast: Yeo JinGoo (in talk)

Summary: Follow the love story between the prince of the JoSeon dynasty, who wants to escape from the nation and find happiness, and a maiden from a poor family who wish to find happiness by becoming a successful woman in the nation.

Why watch?: - To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

 

-to be updated-

 

BONUS

36. "Dae JangGeum" 20 years later

When: 2025

Cast: Lee YoungAe (Dae JangGeum)

Summary: In the continuity of the 2003 MBC drama "Dae JangGeum" (also known as "Jewel In The Palace"), this sequel will dive into the life of Dae JangGeum as she becomes a female physician.

Why watch?: - To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

 

 

Which historical K-Drama are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.