“The King’s Warden” Dominates 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards, “No Other Choice” Secures Best Film
By Lee Minji
The 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards, one of Korea’s most prestigious entertainment award ceremonies, saw the historical film “The King’s Warden” emerge as a significant winner, with actor Yoo Hae-jin receiving the Grand Prize. Directed by Jang Hang-jun, this acclaimed Korean film masterfully portrays the unlikely yet poignant friendship between village chief Eom Heung-do (Yoo Hae-jin) and the dethroned King Danjong (Park Ji-hoon) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) during the young king’s exile in a remote village.
Widely praised for its compelling ensemble performance, which vividly depicts the young king’s struggles and his profound bond with the villagers, “The King’s Warden” achieved remarkable success, becoming the second-most watched film in Korean cinema history following its release in February.
Beyond Yoo Hae-jin’s Grand Prize, the film garnered further recognition with Park Ji-hoon earning both Best New Actor and the Most Popular Artist Award for a male artist. “The King’s Warden” also proudly received the Gucci Impact Award, highlighting its cultural resonance and artistic merit.
“On this occasion, I would like to truly thank the some 17 million audience (members) who watched ‘The King’s Warden’,” Yoo Hae-jin expressed after accepting his prestigious award. “It’s fortunate and good to know that people are realizing the taste of the forgotten cinema.”
Meanwhile, “No Other Choice,” a critically acclaimed black comedy thriller from renowned director Park Chan-wook, known for “Decision to Leave,” secured the coveted Best Movie award. The film also saw success with a win for Best Supporting Actor. In other notable film categories, Mun Ka-young was honored with the Best Actress award for her compelling performance in “Once We Were Us,” while Park Jeong-min received the Best Actor award for his role in “The Ugly.”
Park Chan-wook, accepting his award, emphasized the profound importance of humor in life, noting that “No Other Choice” was a film brimming with jokes.
“At times we are angry or sad, I think we need to have an attitude of always cracking jokes and making others laugh … that is how we can relieve the energy of anger and sorrow and find a way out,” he shared.
“The World of Love,” an independent drama film that portrays a teenager’s courageous journey to confront her past pain, also garnered significant recognition, clinching both Best Director and Best New Actress awards.
In the television category, celebrated actor Ryu Seung-ryong seized the grand prize for his captivating appearance in the JTBC drama series “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim.” This compelling K-drama depicts the soul-searching journey of a middle-aged corporate employee grappling with a midlife crisis. Additionally, Yoo Seung-mok received Best Supporting Actor for his impactful role in the drama.
Several other prominent K-dramas were recognized, with the tvN series “Our Unwritten Seoul” and the popular Netflix hit “You and Everything Else” both picking up multiple awards. “Our Unwritten Seoul,” starring heroine Park Bo-young, received accolades for Best Director and Best Actress, showcasing its strong creative direction and performances. Meanwhile, “You and Everything Else” was honored with both Best Drama and Best Screenplay, highlighting its compelling narrative and writing.
Actor Hyun Bin also took home the prestigious Best Actor award for his compelling role in Disney+’s Korean original series, “Made in Korea.”
Established in 1965, the Baeksang Arts Awards consistently stands as one of South Korea’s most esteemed entertainment award ceremonies. It annually recognizes and celebrates excellence across the diverse realms of television, film, and theater, honoring works released during the period from April of the previous year to March of the current year.
