The anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards 2026 nominations have finally been unveiled, setting the stage for what many are calling the most competitive year in the history of the ceremony. Known globally as the “Oscars of Korea,” the Baeksang Arts Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement in television, film, and theater. This year, the stakes feel higher than ever as the industry grapples with a massive wave of high-budget OTT content and cinematic masterpieces that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Scheduled to take place on May 8, 2026, at the iconic COEX Hall D in Seoul, the gala will see the return of the “Nation’s Trio”—Shin Dong-yup, Bae Suzy, and Park Bo-gum. Their chemistry has become a staple of the event, but the real magic lies in the stories that moved us over the past twelve months. With the inclusion of a brand-new Musical category and continued luxury backing from Gucci, the 2026 edition is proving that Korean storytelling is only getting bolder and more diverse.
Best Drama (TV + OTT) Nominees
The race for Best Drama is a testament to the sheer variety of genres dominating our screens. Leading the pack is Our Unwritten Seoul, a poignant, visually stunning masterpiece that turned the quiet moments of urban life into high art. It faces stiff competition from the gritty, unapologetic realism of Low Life, a series that forced viewers to look at the shadows of society with raw intensity.
| Drama Title | Genre | Emotional Hook |
|---|---|---|
| Our Unwritten Seoul | Slice of Life | Emotional depth and beautiful urban visuals. |
| Low Life | Gritty Crime | Realistic portrayal of society’s shadows. |
| You And Everything Else | Romantic Drama | Compelling narrative with unexpected twists. |
| The Dream Life Of Mr. Kim | Human Drama | Exploration of ambition and personal growth. |
| Bon Appetit Your Majesty | Fusion Historical | Modern cooking meets Joseon-era intrigue. |
Best Actor (Drama) Nominees
When it comes to the leading men, the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards 2026 nominations offer a “clash of the titans” scenario. Ryu Seung Ryong, a veteran whose name is synonymous with excellence, earned his nod for The Dream Life Of Mr. Kim, delivering a performance that many critics claim redefined his career. However, the emotional gravity provided by Park Jin Young in Our Unwritten Seoul has made him a massive favorite among the younger demographic.
| Nominee | Work | Role Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ryu Seung Ryong | The Dream Life Of Mr. Kim | Nuanced & Masterful |
| Park Jin Young | Our Unwritten Seoul | High Emotional Range |
| Lee Jun Ho | Typhoon Family | Intense & Charismatic |
| Ji Sung | The Judge Returns | Career-best Performance |
| Hyun Bin | Made In Korea | Significant Star Power |
Best Actress (Drama) Nominees
The Best Actress category is equally formidable, showcasing women who have carried their respective series to global success. Kim Go Eun continues her streak of brilliance in You And Everything Else, while Park Bo Young’s layered and deeply resonant performance in Our Unwritten Seoul has sparked endless conversations on social media.
| Nominee | Work | Acting Style |
|---|---|---|
| Kim Go Eun | You And Everything Else | Expressive & Strong Presence |
| Park Bo Young | Our Unwritten Seoul | Layered & Deeply Resonant |
| Park Ji Hyun | You And Everything Else | Emotional Authenticity |
| Shin Hae Sun | The Art Of Sarah | Complex & Elegant |
| Lim Yoon A | Bon Appetit Your Majesty | Witty & Dramatically Skilled |
Rising Stars: Best New Actor & Actress
Fresh talent is the lifeblood of the industry, and this year’s newcomers have proven they are ready for the big stage. The 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards 2026 nominations for new talent highlight actors who have already managed to overshadow veterans in their breakout roles.
Best New Actor (TV)
| Nominee | Drama/Series |
|---|---|
| Bae Nara | Weak Hero Class 2 |
| Kim Jin Wook | Low Life |
| Lee Chae Min | Bon Appetit Your Majesty |
| Jung Jun Won | Resident Playbook |
| Hong Min Gi | To My Beloved Thief |
Best New Actress (TV)
| Nominee | Drama/Series |
|---|---|
| Bang Hyo Rin | AEMA |
| Kim Min | Low Life |
| Shin Si Ah | Resident Playbook |
| Jeon So Young | Honour |
| Choi Ji Soo | Undercover Miss Hong |
Best Supporting Actor & Actress Nominees
Supporting roles often provide the heartbeat of a drama, and these nominees are no exception. From Yoo Jae Myung’s veteran presence to the breakout emotional performance of Ha Yoon Kyung, these stars stole every scene they were in.
| Supporting Actor | Work | Supporting Actress | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yoo Jae Myung | Love Me | Lee Edam | The Art Of Sarah |
| Kim Geun Woo | You And Everything Else | Myung Se Bin | The Dream Life Of Mr. Kim |
| Yoo Seung Mok | The Dream Life Of Mr. Kim | Won Mi Kyung | Our Unwritten Seoul |
| Jang Seung Jo | As You Stood By | Lim Soo Jung | Low Life |
| Jin Sun Kyu | Aema | Ha Yoon Kyung | Undercover Miss Hong |
Film Category Highlights
While TV often takes the spotlight, the film category this year belongs to one name: The King’s Warden. This historical blockbuster didn’t just win over critics; it shattered box office records, hitting 10 million admissions in record time. Directed by Jang Hang-jun, the movie swept the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards 2026 nominations in almost every major category.
Best Actor & Actress (Film)
| Category | Nominee | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Actor | Yoo Hae Jin | The King’s Warden |
| Best Actor | Lee Byung Hun | No Other Choice |
| Best Actor | Koo Kyo Hwan | Once We Were Us |
| Best Actress | Son Ye Jin | No Other Choice |
| Best Actress | Mun Ka Young | Once We Were Us |
| Best Actress | Ko A Sung | Pavane |
Best New Actor & Actress (Film)
| Category | Nominee | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best New Actor | Moon Sang Min | Pavane |
| Best New Actor | Park Ji Hoon | The King’s Warden |
| Best New Actor | Ahn Hyo Seop | Omniscient Reader |
| Best New Actress | Chae Won Bin | Opposition |
| Best New Actress | Shin Eun Soo | Love Untangled |
| Best New Actress | Shin Si A | Even If This Love Disappears… |
| Award Category | Film / Nominee |
|---|---|
| Best Picture | The King’s Warden |
| Best Director | Jang Hang Jun (The King’s Warden) |
| Best Actor (Film) | Yoo Hae Jin (The King’s Warden) |
| Best New Actor (Film) | Park Ji Hoon |
| Best Supporting Actor | Yoo Ji Tae |
| Best Supporting Actress | Jeon Mi Do |
| Gucci Impact Award | The King’s Warden |
As the countdown to May 8 begins, the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards 2026 nominations serve as a reminder of why we fall in love with these stories. They aren’t just shows or movies; they are reflections of our dreams, struggles, and triumphs. Whether Our Unwritten Seoul sweeps the night or a dark horse like Low Life takes the trophy, the real winners are the fans who get to witness this golden age of Korean entertainment.
Drop your predictions in the comments—who do you think deserves the Grand Prize this year? Stay tuned for our live coverage of the winners!
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