Byeon Woo Seok Wins Big, Hyeri Falls Short — The Unexpected Twist at 61st Baeksang Popularity Awards!
The Baeksang Arts Awards is one of South Korea’s most prestigious award ceremonies, celebrating excellence across film, television, and theater.
The 61st edition will be held on May 5, 2025, at COEX in Seoul, South Korea.
One of the most anticipated categories, the Popularity Award, is decided entirely by fan voting. Fans showed their support by voting up to four times per day through the Prism Popularity Award voting page.
Male Category: Byeon Woo Seok Dominates
The male category featured a strong lineup of popular actors:
- Lee Jun Hyuk – Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard
- Ju Ji Hoon – The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
- Byeon Woo Seok – Lovely Runner
- Song Geon Hee – Lovely Runner
- Jung Hae In – Veteran 2
- Park Bo Gum – When Life Gives You Tangerines
Final Voting Results:
- Byeon Woo Seok: 2,404,031 votes
- Park Bo Gum: 605,823 votes
- Jung Hae In: 180,165 votes
- Lee Jun Hyuk: 105,072 votes
- Ju Ji Hoon: 85,379 votes
- Song Geon Hee: 53,400 votes
Total votes cast in the male category: 3,733,308
With an overwhelming margin, Byeon Woo Seok claimed the Popularity Award in the male category.
Female Category: Kim Hye Yoon’s Stunning Comeback
The female category saw an even more intense battle between top actresses:
- Kim Tae Ri – Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born
- IU – When Life Gives You Tangerines
- Lee Hye Ri – Victory
- Song Hye Kyo – Dark Nuns
- Kim Go Eun – Love in the Big City
- Kim Hye Yoon – Lovely Runner
Final Voting Results:
- Kim Hye Yoon: 7,873,877 votes
- Lee Hye Ri: 6,923,153 votes
- IU: 3,474,101 votes
- Kim Tae Ri: 33,424 votes
- Song Hye Kyo: 31,042 votes
- Kim Go Eun: 21,908 votes
Total votes cast in the female category: 18,480,648
How the Race Unfolded:
- For most of the voting period, it was a close fight between IU and Lee Hye Ri.
- Lee Hye Ri was leading until the final two days.
- In a dramatic twist, Kim Hye Yoon surged ahead with a massive push, winning the Popularity Award.
A Celebration of Fan Power
This year’s popularity race was filled with unexpected twists and unforgettable moments. The overwhelming participation highlighted the fans’ dedication and love for their favorite stars.
The winners will officially receive their awards at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards ceremony, happening on May 5, 2025, at COEX in Seoul.
The event will be broadcast live on JTBC.
