61st Baeksang Arts Awards: Netflix's When Life Gives You Tangerines wins Best Drama Award, beating Lovely Runner, The Trauma Code

The Baeksang Arts Awards returned with a bang, once again uniting the biggest names in Hallyu under one roof. Often dubbed Korea’s version of the Golden Globes, the prestigious event honours excellence across film, television, and theatre, drawing a star-studded crowd each year. Among the most anticipated contenders was Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines, which led the pack with eight nominations. As many expected, the drama, directed by Kim Won Seok and starring IU and Park Bo Gum, took home the coveted Best Drama Award.

The series captured hearts with its tender romance and moving storyline, quickly becoming a Netflix sensation not just in Korea but around the globe.

When Life Gives You Tangerines wins Best Drama at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards

Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines took home the Best Drama award at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, solidifying its place as one of the year’s most acclaimed series. The drama beat out strong contenders, including The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (Netflix), Doubt (MBC), The Tale of Lady Ok (JTBC), and Lovely Runner (tvN), all of which received critical and audience acclaim.

While receiving the award, director Kim Won Seok said,?"I made this in an age of hate, hoping that I could help people just live among each other. I feel pleased to feel that some of that intention has been met.

I thank everyone at Netflix, each and every one of whom I want to name , Baram Pictures, and everyone who has helped bring the high quality of this work. I really want to take the time to name them because without them, this really wouldn't have come true."

Big night for When Life Gives You Tangerines

In addition to Best Drama, the series garnered nominations in several key categories:

Best Director: Kim Won Seok

Best Actor: Park Bo Gum

Best Actress: IU

Best Supporting Actor: Choi Dae Hoon (Winner)

Best Supporting Actress: Yeom Hye Ran (Winner)

Best New Actress: Kim Tae Yeon

Best Screenplay: Lim Sang Choon (Winner)

And in case you missed it, the Baeksangs are keeping up with the times. What used to be the “TV division” is now the “broadcast division,” making room for both traditional shows and buzzy web series to compete side by side.

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage?here.?