Photo: Instagram/Kim Soo Hyun
A judge defends ignoring Kim Ji Won, while Kim Soo Hyun’s 2024 Baeksang Arts Awards nomination is criticised for misogyny
KOREA: In 2024, the Baeksang Arts Awards, the most prestigious award ceremony in South Korea’s show business, became the subject of controversy, according to PINKVILLA. Controversy surfaced on social media due to the absence of lead actress Kim Ji Won on the Best Actress nominees list though she starred in Queen of Tears. The hit drama broke records and won the hearts of many.
Remarks by Baeksang judge and seasoned culture critic Jeong Deok Hyeon reignited the controversy almost a year after the incident. His remarks, which were meant to shed light on the decision-making process, instead sparked new discussions and widened the gap between the public and the judging panel.
The most-watched drama of the year
Queen of Tears, starring Kim Ji Won and Kim Soo Hyun, was the most-watched drama of 2024. It became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in recent history when it achieved the elusive 20% national viewership mark. Many call it the most influential K-drama of the year because of the leading actors’ unforgettable performances and the moving storyline.
Fans expected both leads to be recognised when Baeksang announced its nominees. Kim Soo Hyun was nominated for Best Actor, but Kim Ji Won was left out of the Best Actress category. Disappointed fans took to the forums questioning the decision.
Nomination process
During an appearance on a talk show, Jeong Deok Hyeon publicly discussed the issue for the first time. The nominations process was heavily influenced by the show’s premiere date. Jeong said the first judging round started early, and the drama had not yet aired. There was a debate on whether to include it or not.
After a specific proportion of it was aired, it became eligible. However, they had trouble giving it a fair assessment without seeing the content in its entirety.
Additionally, he stated that Kim Ji Won’s performance had not yet peaked in the early episodes, whereas Kim Soo Hyun’s acting was instantly noticeable throughout the screening period. Kim Ji Won hasn’t yet flaunted herself in the video, but Kim Soo Hyun did a great job. As a result, Kim Ji Won was left out of the nominations.
A bit of luck
Jeong shared another factor that did not sit well with fans. “Awards like this require a little bit of luck,” he said. His response infuriated the internet instead of easing tensions. If the drama was not fully eligible due to scheduling, fans argued that Kim Soo Hyun shouldn’t have received any nominations at all. Why was only a portion of Kim Ji Won’s performance available for evaluation?
Some fans viewed the incident as part of a larger trend of gender bias in the industry. Male performers are given preference, while female leads are neglected and undervalued. Kim Ji Won’s portrayal of a wealthy heiress named Hong Hae In has been considered one of the most captivating female performances in K-drama history, even though it did not receive official Baeksang recognition. Fans will not let this incident go away.
Since this incident, there has been an increase in industry bias, talent recognition, and award selection transparency. Kim Ji Won is still a firm favourite among fans, and no committee vote is needed.
