The 61st 2025 Baeksang Arts Awards is coming May 5, KST.
The most awaited award show of the year is coming soon, and many of us are excited for this season—especially because of all the K-dramas that captured our hearts over the past year. We truly got a wide variety of stories, covering different genres. From thrillers to romances, we had it all! While it’s sad that only five K-dramas are nominated per category, let’s take a closer look at these standout picks and see why they’re must-watch shows on KOCOWA+.
Best Drama
- Lovely Runner
- The Tale of Lady Ok
- Doubt
- The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call
- When Life Gives You Tangerine
Best Director
- Kim Won Seok – When Life Gives You Tangerine
- Kim Hee Won – Light Shop
- Song Yeon Hwa – Doubt
- Lee Do Yoon – The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
- Jung Ji In – Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born
Best Actor
- Park Bo Gum – When Life Gives You Tangerines
- Byeon Woo Seok – Lovely Runner
- Lee Joon Hyuk – Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard
- Ju Ji Hoon – The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
- Han Suk Kyu – Doubt
Best Actress
- Go Min Si – The Frog
- Kim Tae Ri – Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born
- Kim Hye Yoon – Lovely Runner
- IU – When Life Gives You Tangerines
- Jang Na Ra – Good Partner
Best Supporting Actor
- Kim Jun Han – Good Partner
- Roh Jae Won – Squid Game 2
- Yoon Kyung Ho – The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
- Choi Dae Hoon – When Life Gives You Tangerines
- Hyeon Bong Sik – Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard
Best Supporting Actress
- Kim Gook Hee – Family Matters
- Kim Jae Hwa – The Tale of Lady Ok
- Yeom Hye Ran – When Life Gives You Tangerines
- Oh Gyeong Hwa – Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born
- Jung Eun Chae – Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born
Best New Actor
- Kim Jeong Jin – Doubt
- Song Geon Hee – Lovely Runner
- Cha Woo Min – Study Group
- Choo Young Woo – The Tale of Lady Ok
- Heo Nam Jun – Your Honor
Best New Actress
- Kim Tae Yeon – When Life Gives You Tangerines
- Roh Jeong Eui – The Witch
- Jo Yoon Su – The Tyrant
- Chae Won Bin – Doubt
- Ha Young – The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
Best Male Variety Performer
- Kim Won Hoon
- Dex
- Sung Si Kyung
- Shin Dong Yup
- Yoo Jae Suk
Best Female Variety Performer
- Lee Soo Ji
- Jang Do Yeon
- Ji Ye Eun
- NMIXX Haewon
- Hong Jin Kyung
Best Screenplay
- Kim Jung Min – Family Matters
- Park Ji Sook – The Tale of Lady Ok
- Lee Si Eun – Lovely Runner
- Lim Sang Choon – When Life Gives You Tangerines
- Choi Yu Na – Good Partner
Best Technical Achievement
- Lee Young Joo (Production Design) – Culinary Class Wars
- Lee Jin Suk, Lee Deok Hoon (Cinematography) – Doubt
- Jang Yeong Gyu (Score) – Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born
- Jo Dong Hyuk (Stunt) – Study Group
- Hong Jung Ho, Lee Seung Je, Kim Dae Joon, Kim Jung Min (VFX) – Hellbound 2
Baeksang Nominated Shows on KOCOWA+
We’re lucky to have access to all these amazing nominees before the big night! It’s the perfect time to binge-watch and see for yourself why these shows deserve their nominations—and maybe even the win. Here are the 2025 Baeksang-nominated dramas and personalities you can stream right now on KOCOWA+.
“The Tale of Lady Ok“
Lim Ji Yeon and Choo Young Woo’s historical melodrama “The Tale of Lady Ok” received four nominations at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards—and we all understand why! This drama introduced us to one of the most unique female leads we’ve seen in sageuk. Lim Ji Yeon plays Gudeok, a runaway slave during the Joseon era who ends up living as a noblewoman and eventually becomes a legal advisor. Instead of the usual palace storyline, the story focuses on the harsh treatment of commoners, especially slaves, and delivers emotional, satisfying justice as Gudeok transforms into Lady Ok Tae Young. From survival to fighting for others’ rights, her journey is one you can’t help but root for.
Add to that a compelling love triangle featuring Choo Young Woo in dual roles—one as a mysterious masked storyteller and the other as the righteous son of a magistrate—and the drama serves up layers of emotion, romance, and high-stakes tension. With its fast-paced storytelling, stunning cinematography, and deep social themes, it stands out as one of 2024’s best K-dramas. It’s no surprise that it’s now getting the recognition it deserves!
“Doubt“
Another Baeksang-nominated gem available on KOCOWA+ is “Doubt,” MBC’s psychological thriller that kept us all on the edge of our seats. Starring veteran actor Han Suk Kyu and rising star Chae Won Bin, this drama tells a chilling yet emotional story about a criminal profiler who begins to suspect that his own daughter is involved in a murder. Even the original Korean title, Such a Close Traitor, hints at the intense conflict at the heart of the plot: how far can a father go to uncover the truth when the suspect might be the person he loves most? Han Suk Kyu gives a breathtaking performance—earning him a Best Actor nomination at Baeksang and the Daesang (Grand Prize) at the “2024 MBC Drama Awards.”
But what truly elevates “Doubt” is its direction and unpredictable storytelling. Directed by Song Yeon Hwa, this series feels more like a suspense film, with cinematic shots and flawless transitions that keep us immersed. It’s the kind of drama where you find yourself holding your breath, wondering what secret will be revealed next. The narrative is layered and complex—you’re piecing together the mystery alongside Jang Tae Soo, and even halfway through the show, nothing feels certain. If you’re into psychological dramas that keep you guessing, “Doubt” absolutely deserves a spot on your watchlist before the Baeksang winners are revealed!
Yu Jae Seok Shows
No Baeksang variety performer list feels complete without the Nation’s MC, Yu Jae Seok—and once again, he’s nominated for Best Male Variety Performer! With his quick wit, endless creativity, and incredible chemistry with everyone around him, Yu Jae Seok continues to lead the variety world. On “Running Man,” he remains the heart of the show, still keeping it fun and fresh after more than a decade. On “How Do You Play?,” we get to see his love for trying new things, while “Whenever Possible” shows a more relaxed, healing side of him as he spends time with fellow celebrities in everyday moments.
Shin Dong Yeob Shows
Another fan-favorite host earning a well-deserved Baeksang nomination is Shin Dong Yeob! Known for his quick-witted humor and smooth hosting skills, he brings a special warmth and charm to every show he’s on. In “Immortal Songs,” he keeps the atmosphere lively and supportive during intense musical performances. On “My Little Old Boy,” his natural chemistry with the celebrity moms and cast adds extra heart to the show’s trademark humor.
I can’t wait for the Baeksang Arts Awards night—it’s always exciting to see all our favorite actors, actresses, and entertainers in one place. While we count down to the big event, let’s enjoy these nominated shows on KOCOWA+, available with multiple subtitles!
