Kakao Entertainment Dominates the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards with Multi-Genre Hits

As the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards approaches on May 5, Korea’s Kakao Entertainment is making waves across the industry. Its Studio Label productions and affiliated artists have secured nominations across film, drama, and variety show categories—demonstrating the company’s wide-ranging influence.

Leading the charge is the Netflix Series 폭싹 속았수다 (literal translation: “You Have Been Completely Fooled”), which remains in Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English Series a month after its final episode dropped. The show has earned nominations in eight categories, including Best Drama, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and both Lead and Supporting Acting Awards.

Co-produced by Studio Label Baram Pictures and Pan Entertainment, 폭싹 속았수다 stars IU as rebellious Aesoon and Park Bo-gum as devoted Kwan-sik. The storyline traverses their adventurous lives over four seasons, connecting emotionally with viewers through a realistic portrayal of familial love.

On the variety side, the YouTube show 풍향GO (by Antenna Plus) also gained a Best Variety Program nomination. The unscripted travel series, starring Yoo Jae-suk, Hwang Jung-min, Ji Suk-jin, and Yang Se-chan, exploded in popularity—reaching 10 million views within weeks of its first episode premiering in November 2023.

In film, Kakao Entertainment‘s presence is just as strong. 승부, produced by Studio Label Filmmaker R&K and co-produced by BH Entertainment, tells the true story of Go legend Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun) and his journey back to the top. The film scored nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Actor and broke box office records with 2.12 million admissions, reigning at number one for 19 consecutive days.

리볼버, from Sanai Pictures and director Oh Seung-wook, follows former cop Soo-young (Jeon Do-yeon) on her vengeful path post-prison. The film scored in five categories, including Best Film and Best Director. It has already been pre-sold to 172 countries and was recognized at major film award shows—securing three wins at the Buil Film Awards.

검은 수녀들 by Film Company Zip earned major acting nominations for Song Hye-kyo, Jeon Yeo-been, and rising star Moon Woo-jin, thanks to its chilling tale of forbidden rituals and demonic possession.

Individual performances across Kakao’s managed talents also stood out. IU (EDAM Entertainment) is up for Best Actress for 폭싹 속았수다, while Choo Young-woo (J Wide Company) is contending for Best New Actor in 옥씨부인전, and Yoo Jae-suk for Best Male Entertainer.

In film, Lee Byung-hun (BH Entertainment), Hyun Bin (VAST Entertainment), and Lee Hee-joon (BH Entertainment) each earned Best Actor nods. Kang Seung-ho (Awesome ENT) is a Best New Actor nominee for 장손, while Jeon Do-yeon and Kim Go-eun were nominated for their outstanding performances in 리볼버 and 대도시의 사랑법, respectively.

According to industry insiders, “Kakao Entertainment’s projects and their roster of talent are not only gaining critical acclaim but also demonstrating powerful synergy that’s bringing strong recognition globally.”