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.

"Wedding Impossible" has finally reached its long-awaited end, closing out in spectacular fashion. Led by Jun JongSeo, Moon SangMin, Kim DoWan, and Bae YoonKyung, the lighthearted rom-com made the start of the week enjoyable and fun. Watching them grow as people and in their relationships served as a source of inspiration to all.

Now that it's over, the drama's absence is already setting in. Although there are many more amazing K-Dramas currently on air, "Wedding Impossible" held a special place in audiences' hearts. If you're feeling dismayed about the tvN show's end, then you've come to the right place.

Here are a few K-Dramas to add to your watchlist following the conclusion of "Wedding Impossible"!

 

1. "Because This Is My First Life"

Cast: Lee MinKi, Jung SoMin, and others

Summary: Yoon JiHo is a single woman who dreams of becoming the main scriptwriter for a hit drama. Nam SeHee is a single, IT-worker who owns a house but owes a large mortgage. In order to alleviate the costs, he rents out a room and unknowingly agrees to sign on Yoon JiHo as a tenant. After various happenings and pressures from outside sources, they decide to enter into a contract marriage.

Reasons To Watch: "Because This Is My First Life" is a classic marriage contract K-Drama. Although the two main leads accidentally enter into each other's lives, they form an unlikely bond that becomes even stronger with every new episode. They become sturdy pillars of support, causing them to realize just how much they mean to one another, leading to true love.

 

2. "Love In Contact"

Cast: Park MinYoung, Ko KyungPyo, Kim JaeYoung, and more

Summary: Choi SangEun works as a contract marriage specialist, helping her clients to live the perfect single life. She decides to close down her business, but this proves to be difficult, as one of her last clients, Jung JiHo, happens to fall in love with her. Then there's top star, Kang HaeJin, who also employs SangEun's services and vies for her affection.

Reasons To Watch: Piloted by the rom-com queen herself, "Love In Contract" is lighthearted right down to its core. While there are moments of pure sincerity and genuine affection, you can be certain that there will be various scenes filled with side-splitting laughter. You'll become completely immersed, eager to find out how Choi SangEun and Jung JiHo's relationship will progress, crossing over the line between contract marriage specialist and client.

 

3. "Business Proposal"

Cast: Ahn HyoSeop, Kim SeJeong, Kim MinGue, Seor InA, and more

Summary: Shin HaRi is an ordinary office worker. One day, she disguises herself and attends a blind date in place of her friend Jin YoungSeo, with the goal of being rejected. Come to find out, the man she's meeting is the CEO of HaRi's company, Kang TaeMu. Plans backfire when he calls the next day, asking for HaRi's hand in marriage.

Watch Because: Similar to "Wedding Impossible", Shin HaRi jumps through numerous hoops to ensure her secret identity remains just that — a secret. Watching her live a double life provides limitless excitement. But the drama gets better as TaeMu and HaRi realize their feelings for each other, eventually transforming into a true couple right in front of our eyes.

 

4. "Doona!"

Cast: Suzy, Yang SeJong, Kim DoWan, Park SeWan, Ha Young, and more

Summary: Lee DooNa is the main vocalist for idol group Dream Sweet. However, due to an accident, she has stepped away from the spotlight. Lee WonJun is a university student who just moved away from home and ended up at the same share house as DooNa. They meet and life is never quite the same for either of them.

Reasons To Watch: If you're a fan of second leads, you might want to check out "Doona!" which features Kim DoWan! He has much better luck in finding himself and someone to truly love here. Aside from the success of Kim DoWan's character, Suzy and Yang SeJong absolutely kill it. Their chemistry is sizzling and will have you binging through the series in an instant. If you start the series at night, beware, you might be in for an all-nighter if you do.

 

5. "My Lovely Liar"

Cast: Kim SoHyun, Hwang MinHyun, Seo JiHoon, Lee SiWoo, and more

Summary: Depicts the story of Mok SolHee, a woman who's cautious of others due to her ability to hear lies. She meets murder suspect, Kim DoHa, whom no one believes in. Their paths start to intertwine as they slowly learn more about one another and uncover the secrets that have remained hidden all these years.

Reasons To Watch: Just like "Doona!", no themes of contract marriage can be found in "My Lovely Liar". But in similar fashion to "Wedding Impossible", the main leads must navigate life together, slowly figuring out each other's various charms. They work through a mountainous pile of misunderstandings before they're finally able to be together, happy and in love.

Which K-Drama are you watching now that "Wedding Impossible" is over?

Have you ever wondered who are the most followed Korean actresses on Instagram?

Most of the Korean actresses have Instagram and some have an impressive amount of followers! Some have been using actively Instagram while some do not really keep it updated. Some actresses also just created their Instagram recently and are still gathering followers.

Here are the most followed Korean actresses on Instagram and then a rough ranking of other actresses' Instagram followers amount (around 70).

If you are not following your favorite actresses' Instagram, it is time to do so.

All data were updated on February 23, 2024, 2:00 PM KST. We update regularly as the numbers keep on increasing.

Important Notice: only a few acting-dols have been included according to our new criteria (as of January 2022) made with readers' opinions in mind. Check the criteria for this list at the bottom of the page. 

 

1. IU - 32.2m followers - @dlwlrma

Note: IU played the main role in "Hotel Del Luna", "My Mister", and more.

 

2. Suzy - 19.8m followers - @skuukzky

Note: Suzy played the main role in "Start-Up", "While You Were Sleeping", "Doona!" and more.

 

3. Jung HoYeon - 19.4m followers - @hoooooyeony

 

4. Han SoHee - 17.5m followers @xeesoxee

 

5. Girls' Generation's YoonA - 17.3m followers - @yoona__lim

Note: Girls' Generation's YoonA played the main role in "The K2", "The King in Love", and more.

 

6. Song HyeKyo - 17.2m followers - @kyo1122

 

7. Lee SungKyoung - 15.3m followers - @heybiblee

 

8. Park ShinHye - 15.2m followers - @ssinz7

 

9. Red Velvet's Joy - 14.6m followers - @_imyour_joy

Note: Red Velvet's Joy played the main role in "The Liar and His Lover", "Tempted", and more.

 

10. Kim SoHyun - 13.6m followers - @wow_kimsohyun

 

11. Mun KaYoung - 12.7m followers - @m_kayoung

 

12. Kim SeJeong - 12m followers - @clean_0828

Note: Kim SeJeong played the main role in "The Uncanny Counter", "Business Proposal" and more.

 

13. Park MinYoung - 11.9m followers - @rachel_mypark

 

14. Kim YouJung - 11.5m followers - @you_r_love

 

15. f(x)'s Krystal - 10.7m followers - @vousmevoyez

Note: Krystal played the main role in "Police University", "Search", and more.

 

16. Seor InA - 10.1m followers - @_seorina

 

17. Son YeJin - 8.2m followers - @yejinhand

 

18. Girl's Day's HyeRi - 8.2m followers - @hyeri_0609

Note: Girl's Day's HyeRi played in "Two Cops", "Moonshine", and more.

 

19. Girls' Generation's SeoHyun - 8.1m followers - @seojuhyun_s

Note: Girls' Generation's SeoHyun played the main role in "Private Lives", "Time", and more.

 

20. Kim JiWon - 8.1m followers - @geewonii

 

21. Girls' Generation's SooYoung - 7.7m followers - @sooyoungchoi

Note: Girls' Generation's SooYoung played the main role in "Run On", "Tell Me What You Saw", and more.

 

22. Sulli - 6.8m followers - @jelly_jilli

Note: Sulli played the main role in "Real", "Fashion King", and more.

 

23. Lee YouMi - 6.6m followers - @leeyoum262

 

24. Go YounJung - 6.7m followers - @goyounjung

 

25. Girls' Generation's YuRi - 6.5m followers - @yulyulk

Note: Girls' Generation's YuRi played the main role in "Bossam: Steal the Fate", "Defendant", and more.

 

26. Kim GoEun - 6.4m followers - @ggonekim

 

27. T-ARA's JiYeon - 5.6m followers - @jiyeon2__

Note: Park JiYeon played the main role in "I Wanna Hear Your Song", "Imitation", and more.

 

28. Kim DaMi - 5.3m followers - @d_a___m_i

 

29. Cho YiHyun - 5m followers - @yihyun_1208

 

30. Shin MinA - 5m followers - @illusomina

 

31. Han HyoJoo - 4.8m followers - @hanhyojoo222

 

32. NaNa - 4.9m followers - @jin_a_nana

NaNa played the main role in "Oh My Ladylord", "Into the Ring", and more.

 

33. Park JiHu - 4.4m followers - @03_hu

 

34. Park BoYoung - 4.5m followers - @boyoung0212_official

 

35. Song JiHyo - 4.1m followers - @my_songjihyo

Here are more actresses' Instagram followers numbers and accounts.

Over 3m followers

AOA's SeolHyun (@s2seolhyuns2) [SeolHyun played the main role in "Awaken", "My Country: The New Age", and more], Park YooNa (@youna_1997), Son NaEun (@marcellasne_) [NaEun played the main role in "Ghost Doctor", "Dinner Mate", and more], Kang MinAh (@minah320_97), Kim SaeRon (@ron_sae), Shin SeKyung (@sjkuksee), Kim HyeYoon (@hye_yoon1110), Lee SiYoung (@leesiyoung38), Park EunBin (@eunbining0904), Gong HyoJin (@rovvxhyo), Shin HaeSun (@shinhs831), Jung SoMin (@somin_jj), Shin YeEun (@__shinyeeun), Park GyuYoung (@lavieenbluu), Han JiHyun (@hanjiji54)

 

Over 2m followers

Apink's EunJi (@artist_eunji) [EunJi played the main role in "O.OMHz", "Untouchable", and more], Oh YeonSeo (@ohvely22), Lee JooYoung (@i_icaruswalks), Min HyoRin (@hyorin_min), Jung ChaeYeon (@j_chaeyeoni) [Jung ChaeYeon has played the main role in "My First First Love", "The King's Affection", and more], Lee JiAh (@e.jiah), Kim TaeRi (@kimtaeri_official), Lee DaHee (@dahee0315), Roh YoonSeo (@rohyoonseo)

 

Between 1m and 2m followers

Han YeSeul (@han_ye_seul_), Koo HyeSun (@kookoo900), Ha JiWon (@hajiwon1023), Jung RyeoWon (@yoanaloves) [Jung RyeoWon played the main role in "Witch's Court", "Diary of a Prosecutor", and more], Park SoDam (@imsodamm), Han JiMin (@roma.emo), Lee YuBi (@yubi_190), Kim BoRa (@kim_bora95), Im SooHyang (@hellopapa11), Girl's Day's Minah (@bbang_93) [Minah played the main role in "My Absolute Boyfriend", "Check Out The Event", and more], Go JoonHee (@gojoonhee), Lee HaNee (@honey_lee32), Chae SooBin (@soobinms), Kwon NaRa (@hv_nara) [Kwon NaRa played a main role in "Itaewon Class", "Bulgasal: Immortal Souls", and more], Nam JiHyun (@hyuniiiiiii_95917), Go Ara (@ara_go_0211), Im SeMi (@susemee), Eugene (@eugene810303) [Eugene played the main role in "Penthouse: War In life" seasons 1-3 and more], Cho BoAh (@xxadoraa), Lee NaEun (@betterlee_0824) [Lee NaEun played the main role in "Extraordinary You", "Hip Hop King: Nassna Street", and more], Kim SoYeon (@sysysy1102), Jo SuMin (@soominn_jo), Kim HyeonSoo (@hyeon0_0soo), Jin JiHee (@2xj_hee), Lee HoJung (@holly608), Jeon SoMin (@jsomin86), Yang HyeJi (@hazzisss), Jeon YeoBeen (@jeon.yeobeen), Kang Mina (@_happiness_o) [Kang Mina played the main role in "Mama Fairy and the Woodcutter", "Moonshine", and more], Lee EunSaem (@2eunsaem), Park JinJoo (@jinjoo1224), Seo JiHye (@jihye8024), Lee MinJung (@216jung), Kim JooRyung (@kimjooryoung), Roh JeongEui (@jeongeuiyam), Yang HyeJi (@hazzisss), Kim YongJi (@demi_kimee), Roh JeongEui (@jeongeuiyam), Ahn EunJin (@eunjin___a), Lee JuMyoung (@jmyoungl), Lee SunBin (@sunbin_eyesmag), Lee SeYoung (@seyoung_10), Gong SeungYeon (@0seungyeon), Yang HyeJi (@hazzisss), Kim HyeSoo (@hs_kim_95), and more

 

Between 300k and 1m followers

Jang NaRa (@nara0318), Jin SeYeon (@jinseyun.go), SoHee (@ssoheean), Kim SoHye (@s_sohye) [Kim SoHye played the main role in "Guimoon: The Lightless Door", "Moonlit Winter", and more] , Min DoHee (@mdh0925_) [Min DoHee played support roles in "My ID is Gangnam Beauty", "Clean With Passion For Now", the main role in "Girls' Generation 1979", and more], Kim SoEun (@socun89), Kim HeeSon (@lovely.katie.k), Hwang JungEum (@jungeum84) [Hwang JungEum played the main role in "Mystic Pop Up Bar", "To All The Guys Who Loved Me", and more], ESom (@esom_), Kang SoRa (@reveramess_), Bae DooNa (@doonabae), Ha YeonSoo (@hayeonsoo_), Han SunHwa (@shh_daily) [Han SunHwa played a main role in "School 2017", "Backstreet Rookie", and more], Im SooJung (@soojunglim_), Jo WooRi (@j_ourly), Stephanie Lee (@stephanielee199), Won JinA (@j0i3n2a9), Kim HyangGi (@kimsmell1), Ryu HyeYoung (@ryuniverse328), Park JuHyun (@charmgirl_1005), Yoon SeoA (@yoonseoah_), Jung HyeSung (@junghyesung91), Choi YeBin (@yebin__), Jung DaBin (@jungdabiny), T-ARA's EunJung (@eunjung.hahm) [EunJung played the main role in "Love Twist", "Be My Dream Family", and more], Nam JiHyun (@jihyunilovee) [JiHyun played support roles in "My Little Baby", "Strongest Deliveryman", "Grand Prince", "Lonely Enough To Love", and more], YeonWoo (@chloelxxlxx) [YeonWoo played the main role in "Cheat On Me, If You Can", "Dali and the Cocky Prince", and more], Yoon EunHye (@y1003_grace) [Yoon EunHye played the main role in "After Love", "Marry Him If You Dare", and more], Kim JaeKyung (@_kimjaekyung_) [Kim JaeKyung played the main role in "Bad Papa", "The Secret Life of My Secretary", and more], Kim BoYoon (@__boyoon__), Kim JinYoung (@jin_y0ung_2), Ha SeungRi (@seung_lee.vv), Jung Eugene (@eugene__jung), Ko SungHee (@krnangel621), Go WonHee (@go_wonhee), Kim GaEun (@ggani88918), Ha YoonKyung (@hayoonkie), Jeong ShinHye (@bonheur_sinhye_may), Lee SiWoo (@s2xwo), Cheon WooHee (@thousand_wooo), Lee JooBin (@hellobeen), Joo HyunYoung (@2ruka__), Kim SeulGi (@s911010), , DaSom (@som0506) [DaSom played the main role in "Was It Love?", "He Is Psychometric", and more], Cha JooYoung (@jooyoungthej), Kim JiEun (@kj_ieun), Go BoGyeol (@gobogyeol), Jung HyeSung (@junghyesung91), Park JooHyun (@charmgirl_1005), Jo HyeJoo (@hyejoozz), Shin HyunBeen (@hyunbeenshin), Uhm JungHwa (@umaizing), Lee DaIn (@xx__dain), Park HaSeon (@mintsungrace), Baek JinHee (@jinibeak), Kim Hieora (@hereare0318), and more.

 

No Instagram

Jun JiHyun, Lee BoYoung, Yoo InNa, Lee NaYoung, Jeon DoYeon, and more have no Instagram.

 

Acting-dols criteria (January 2022): 

Due to the huge number of idols in the acting field, we have tried to limit the list to idols genuinely active in acting and not to all the idols acting. At Kpopmap, we always prioritize the opinions of our readers first. That is why these criteria have been made out of readers' opinions. We held a poll (here) and we opened an open discussion on Reddit (here). You've asked us to be stricter in our criteria and so here are the new rules.

. In a K-Drama, Netflix Original drama, or a movie: 

• Two lead roles (was clearly one of the main characters)

or

• One lead role and 2 supporting roles

or

• More than 4 supporting roles

. Guest roles can't be considered supporting roles

. Only dramas over 6 episodes (special and short dramas are excluded)

. Only movies released in Korean theaters (not just online) (with the exception of Netflix original movies)

. No web dramas (exception for Netflix)

. Only Korean releases

Kpopmap's criteria for acting-dols are not absolute or the right answer. It is just criteria applied in the content of Kpopmap. And these criteria can change according to the trends or fans' opinions.

 

Did we miss anyone? Connect with Kpopmap and let us know!