The Baeksang Arts Awards are considered to be the most prestigious awards that can be given to an actor, actress, or an entertainer in Kore
It is held annually and is the only awards ceremony in South Korea that takes theater, movies, and television into consideration. At the most recent 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, there were many K-dramas that were rightfully recognized. Here are seven of those awarded K-dramas that you don’t want to miss.
1. “Beyond Evil”
“Beyond Evil” was nominated for seven categories at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards. By the end of the night, it received Best Drama, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor for Shin Ha Kyun’s portrayal as Lee Dong Sik. It won the most awards out of any of the K-dramas that were nominated!
“Beyond Evil” tells the story of Lee Dong Sik (Shin Ha Kyun), who works as a police officer in a small town. One day, a new officer shows up from Seoul by the name of Han Joo Won (Yeo Jin Goo). The two end up working together to figure out the mystery of a serial killer who plagued the city since 20 years prior.
The genre of the series can be categorized as mystery, crime, and thriller. It draws you in from the first episode as you’re quickly introduced to the reality that there is an unidentified serial killer that detectives have not been able to figure out. From this point, it becomes a guessing game as to who is the killer in this small town, and everyone is a suspect – including the two main leads. Viewers become eager to discover the truth about the disturbing serial killer, and the twists and turns of the storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat.
2. “Flower of Evil”
Nominated for five Baeksang Arts awards, Kim Cheol Kyu ended up winning the Best Director for his drama “Flower Of Evil.” The series was also nominated for Best Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor.
Lee Joon Gi stars as Baek Hee Sung, a craftsman who is married to detective Cha Ji Won (Moon Chae Won). The two have a little girl together and they seemingly live a normal life. What Ji Won doesn’t know is her husband’s dark past and the secrets he has kept hidden for many years. As she begins to investigate a case, she discovers that it is linked to her husband.
This series had a huge fanbase not only within Korea but internationally. People couldn’t help but fall for the charm of Baek Hee Sung and the way Lee Joon Gi portrayed such an ambiguous character. With the mix of the love story element and mystery, it was a series that everyone couldn’t help but love!
3. “The Penthouse”
Kim So Yeon deservingly won the Best Actress award this year. On top of this, the series received nominations for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best New Actor, and Best New Actress.
The story of the series involves two opera singers by the name of Cheon Seo Jin (Kim So Yeon) and Oh Yoon Hee (Eugene), who have a lengthy rivalry that spans back to their high school days. As they become older, Cheon Seo Jin is wealthy and lives in an apartment complex of elite families. All the families in this building, as well as Oh Yoon Hee, become intertwined in a murder case and fight to keep the image of their building and families clean.
This K-drama written by makjang writer Kim Sun Ok, who also wrote “The Last Empress,” always does a great job of putting viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The cliffhangers and unexpected twists at every turn of the series make it an exhilarating watch. The series is also currently in its third season and continues to dominate in ratings!
4. “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay”
The series “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” was nominated for Best Drama, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Oh Jung Se was able to win for Best Supporting Actor.
Moon Kang Tae (Kim Soo Hyun) works as a caregiver in a psychiatric hospital. He meets a woman named Go Moon Young (Seo Ye Ji), who writes dark children’s books, and she takes a strong liking to him. She is determined to win Kang Tae’s heart, but Kang Tae can’t be bothered with romance and relationships because he is devoted to taking care of his older brother Moon Sang Tae (Oh Jung Se), who is autistic.
The series garnered a lot of publicity mainly because it was Kim Soo Hyun’s return to the small screen after being discharged from the military. The overarching tone and mood of the series is dark, but the focus on the relationship between the two brothers is the heart of the story. It’s not a surprise that Oh Jung Se was able to snag the award for Best Supporting Actor! It was one of the best performances ever!
5. “The Uncanny Counter”
This popular webtoon-based drama was nominated for several Baeksang Arts Awards including Best Drama and Best Supporting Actress. Yeom Hye Ran very deservingly won for her role as Choo Mae Ok.
Jo Byeong Gyu, Yoo Joon Sang, Kim Sejeong, and Yeom Hye Ran star in “The Uncanny Counter,” a drama about a boy named So Moon (Jo Byeong Gyu), who was left crippled and as an orphan after him and his parents were in a car accident. As a high school student, So Moon gains unknown powers and comes to learn that they were given to him so that he can fight evil spirits that are refusing to go to the afterlife.
Seeing this random group of misfits coming together to fight off evil spirits was what we all needed. Each character has a history and has been given a second chance at life. Whatever oppression or injustice they faced in the past, they are able to get the revenge needed to move on with their lives while also helping others. It was especially amazing to see Yeom Hye Ran get the recognition she deserves; she’s a phenomenal actress who has done a lot of eclectic roles!
6. “18 Again”
“18 Again” was nominated for one category at the Baeksang Arts Awards, and it ended up winning. Lee Do Hyun received the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal as Hong Dae Young.
Yoon Sang Hyun stars as Hong Dae Young, a man whose girlfriend gets pregnant when they are in high school, resulting in the two getting married. Hong Dae Young gives up his future as a basketball player while his wife (played by Kim Ha Neul) has to give up her dreams of being an announcer. After a freak incident, he wakes up to realize that he has returned back to his 18-year-old self, which is played by Lee Do Hyun.
This series touches on so many aspects that people can relate to. It’s heartwarming and hopeful as it shows the importance of family, not living in regret, and always giving second chances. It’s a series that is an easy watch and great for de-stressing! You also have the pleasure of seeing what all the buzz is about when it comes to rookie actor Lee Do Hyun.
7. “Extracurricular”
“Extracurricular” was nominated for several awards including Best Drama, Best New Actor, and Best New Actress. Park Ju Hyun received the award for her portrayal as Bae Gyu Ri.
In “Extracurricular,” Kim Dong Hee plays Oh Ji Soo, a straight-A high school student who has a side job that is illegal. He does this job in order to make money for himself as a result of being abandoned by his family. Seo Min Hee (Jung Da Bin) and Bae Gyu Ri (Park Ju Hyun) attend the same school as Ji Soo, and they become involved in his illegal activities.
“Extracurricular” was very popular in Korea and received a lot of rave reviews. People were especially impressed with the accurate portrayal of the hardships and struggles that high school students have to endure in South Korea. The series is an addictive watch and easy to binge, constantly keeping you on the edge of your seat.
