The 51st Baeksang Arts Awards was a star-studded affair which gathered some of the hottest personalities in Korean television and film. Actor Choi Min Suk, who delivered a stellar performance in the hit movie "The Admiral: Roaring Currents," was the recipient of the Grand Prize. The morose melodrama of a cosmetic ad-man, "Revivre," was recognized as the Best Film. JYJ's Yoochun beat out Lee Min Ho for Best New Actor in Film, but "Gangnam 1970" could possibly one of the most difficult roles accomplished by the Hallyu star. While the film division provided few surprises, there were several awards in the Television category which left viewers questioning the validity of the Baeksang Arts Awards and its selections.
Ji Sung was nominated in the Best Actor in Television category for his critically acclaimed performance as Cha Do Hyun in the psychological drama, "Kill Me, Heal Me." He was a fan favorite for the award, but he was beaten out by "Misaeng" star Lee Sung Min. "Misaeng" resonated with young office workers, who yearned for a supervisor who was as empathetic as Oh Sang Shik, the character portrayed by Lee. Although, the role portrayed by Ji in "Kill Me, Heal Me" may have been more challenging, the reality of "Misaeng" and its impact on Korean office staff may have influenced the votes towards Lee.
The relatability of "Miseang" may have also factored into the decision to honor ZE:A's Siwan with the Best New Actor in Television award. Siwan shared the category with other top acting idols including EXO's D.O., Lee Joon, ZE:A's Park Hyung Sik and his "Misaeng" co-star, Kim Dae Myung. Lee Joon continues to deliver a strong performance in "Heard It From The Grapevine," the family drama which also received several awards. It should be noted that the Television division does not include Best Supporting Actor and Actress categories. This was most evident in the Best New Actor and Actress categories, where leading actors like Siwan were up against stars who appeared in supporting roles.
Viewers initially assumed that Ji Sung was passed over in the Best Actor in Television category to receive the Grand Prize in the division. However, the Grand Prize was awarded to variety show producer-director, Na Young Seok. Na Young Seok is recognized for his breakthrough work on the KBS show, "2 Days, 1 Night," which is currently featured in the drama "Producer." He departed from KBS in 2013 and launched the innovative tvN variety show, "Grandpas Over Flowers." He is currently responsible for the production of "Three Meals A Day: Fishing Village."
What are your thoughts on the Baeksang Arts Awards? Do you think Ji Sung should have won Best Actor in Television?
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing writer for Kpopstarz, KDramastars, MTV Iggy and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).
