5 Best Film Actors Nominated for the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, from Lee Byung-hun to Hyun Bin

On April 7, 2025, the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards announced the nominees for the film, broadcast, and theater categories. This announcement was made through the official website and social media platforms (SNS). One of the highlighted categories is the nomination for best film actor, featuring various well-known names from the Korean film industry.

As part of an effort to reflect the shifting trends in content consumption, this year's Baeksang Arts Awards expanded its evaluation criteria, encompassing more than just the three main broadcasting stations, by including cable channels, OTT, and web platforms. This is a significant step in aligning the awards with the latest technological developments and digital platforms.

Among the numerous nominations announced, five best film actors on the list stand out. Among them are those portraying legendary figures in history, as well as those struggling with challenging characters that test their acting abilities. Here are the best film actors nominated for the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards.

1. Yoon Joo-sang - THE LAND OF MORNING CALM

5 Best Film Actors Nominated for the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards (credit: asianwiki)

In the film THE LAND OF MORNING CALM, Yoon Joo-sang plays the role of Yeong-guk, a stubborn old captain. Yeong-guk is forced to help a young fisherman named Yong-su pretend to be dead so he can start a new life with his wife from Vietnam. However, their plan ends up in chaos.

Yoon Joo-sang's acting as a skeptical yet aware character brings emotional depth to this tension-filled story. His role highlights an interesting dynamic between characters who try to hide their feelings but are still influenced by inevitable events.

2. Lee Byung-hun - THE MATCH

5 Best Film Actors Nominated for the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards (credit: instagram/byunghun0712)

Lee Byung-hun plays Cho Hun Hyun, a legend in the world of Go. In the film THE MATCH, he portrays the life story of Cho, who once suffered a significant defeat at the hands of his own student, Lee Chang Ho. Cho's journey to compete again with Lee Chang Ho brings deep tension.

Lee Byung-hun is recognized for his dedication in depicting the legendary habits of the character he portrays, as well as his attention to the details of movement that enhance the synchronization in each scene.

3. Lee Hee-joon - HANDSOME GUYS

5 Best Film Actors Nominated for the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards (credit: instagram/lee.hee.jun)

In the film HANDSOME GUYS, Lee Hee-joon plays Sang Goo, a man who wants to live a peaceful life in the forest by buying an old house and farming. Sang Goo wants to experience a simpler life, even though he and his brother, Jae Pil, do not possess the looks that meet societal standards of handsomeness.

Lee Hee-joon's acting successfully portrays a character that contradicts social standards while still conveying a strong sense of humanity. His role demonstrates how physical mismatches do not hinder someone from pursuing a life dream filled with tranquility.

4. Jo Jung-suk - PILOT

5 Best Film Actors Nominated for the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards (credit: asianwiki)

Jo Jung-suk plays Han Jung-woo, a star pilot who must face the harsh reality after being fired from his job. Losing his dream career and facing social stigma, Han Jung-woo is forced to adopt a new identity as his younger sister to survive.

Jo Jung-suk's role in the film PILOT deeply illustrates how a small mistake can ruin someone's life. His strong and emotional acting successfully portrays the human side of a character struggling to survive, even while facing unexpected challenges.

5. Hyun Bin - HARBIN

5 Best Film Actors Nominated for the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards (credit: asianwiki)

Hyun Bin plays Ahn Jung-geun in the film HARBIN, which tells the story of a famous Korean independence activist known for the assassination of It Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan. This film, based on a true story, showcases Ahn's dramatic journey in carrying out his mission to free Korea from Japanese colonization.

Ahn Jung-geun, portrayed remarkably by Hyun Bin, struggles against despair and maintains his determination. This role adds depth to the life journey of a Korean hero who sacrifices for the independence of his country.

6. Which actors are nominated for the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards?

The nominated actors are Yoon Joo-sang, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Hee-joon, Jo Jung-suk, and Hyun Bin.

7. What film did Hyun Bin star in for the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards nomination?

Hyun Bin starred in the film HARBIN, which tells the story of Ahn Jung-geun, a Korean independence activist.

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