Baeksang Arts Awards 2025: When Life Gives You Tangerines dominates the night, Kim Tae-ri triumphs with Best Actress

As expected, When Life Gives You Tangerines, swept awards at the 61^st Baeksang Art Awards. Hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Suzy, and Park Bo-gum, the evening saw Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines claim the Best Drama Award in the broadcasting sector. The series also took home Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards, as well as a Screenplay Award.

Director Kim Won-seok, accepting the Best Drama Award, shared a powerful message: "In this age of hate, I hope we can live well together without hating each other. I’m deeply grateful that our work seems to have been recognized. My heartfelt thanks go to writer Lim Sang-chun for creating such a brilliant blueprint and to all the actors and staff who brought that vision to life. Most of all, I want to thank the fans whose unwavering support helped elevate the quality of this project to the highest level." The story was a slice-of-life drama, following the life of childhood sweethearts, their marriage and heartbreak. Owing to its profound writing and acting, the series was hailed as one of the most relevant dramas in recent times.

When Life Gives You Tangerines wins   

Yeom Hye-ran won Best Supporting Actress, surpassing tough competition from Kim Kuk-hee (Family Plan), Kim Jae-hwa (The Tale of Lady Ok), Oh Kyung-hwa (The Undertaker), and Jeong Eun-chae (The Undertaker). An emotional Yeom shared her gratitude: "Here are our young ones, and Mama received an award. It’s not ‘director general,’ but ‘best of the best.’ I salute my fellow nominees—I’m constantly inspired by the incredible talent of actors of all ages. My deep respect goes out to them." At this point, the camera focused on IU, who had played her daughter in the series. IU teared up, too in emotion.

Choi Dae-hoon, who took home the Best Supporting Actor Award, reflected on his journey: "When I think about 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' it feels like another role—not just a job behind the scenes. I’m so thankful to have been remembered by viewers as Kwang-rye. Working with writer Lim Sang-chun and director Kim Won-seok in this era has been a privilege. I want to say a sincere 'I love you' to my daughter and mother," he said, visibly moved.

He also shared his gratitude with a heartfelt message: "This feels like a hidden camera moment—such a precious and honorable award. I truly believe this will be the best gift I ever received on Children’s Day. It’s a rarity in my life to get this kind of recognition. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

He added, "The joy of receiving that call from director Kim Won-seok and writer Lim Sang-chun, with all its worries and happiness, was unforgettable. I started this journey because of the love people have for this work, but in the end, it’s been so fulfilling and comforting. I’ll continue to live by comforting others, always fulfilling my responsibilities. I want to be an actor who makes a positive, happy influence."

The Best in  Film category

In the highly anticipated Best in Film category, Harbin emerged victorious, taking home the prestigious Best Film Award. The film, starring Hyun Bin, triumphed over strong contenders like Love In The Big City, Revolver, House of the Seasons, and Uprising. Meanwhile, the Best Director award was claimed by Oh Seungwook for his work on Revolver, a film that also earned high praise in several categories. Jeon Doyeon captured the Best Actress award for her captivating performance in Revolver, beating out fierce competition from Kim Geunsoo, Song Hye-kyo, Cho Yeo-jeong, and Kim Go-eun.

The Best Actor award went to Cho Jung-seok for his powerful portrayal in Pilot. He triumphed over a stellar lineup of nominees, including Yoon Joosang, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Hee-joon, and Hyun Bin.

Other winners of the night, included Kim Tae-ri, who won the 'Daesang', grand prize, for Best Actress award Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born.