Like any other country, South Korea felicitates entertainment industry members for their outstanding achievements throughout the year. The Baeksang Arts Awards, initiated in 1974, is an annual ceremony organized by JTBC Plus and Ilgan Sports. It is the Highest Award given to the Best Actor for depicting an exemplary performance in a leading role in a k-drama.
Given below are 10 Korean actors who have Received this Prestigious Award in the Last Ten Years:
1. Shin Ha-Kyun (2021)
After competing with Lee Joon-gi, Song Joong-ki, and Kim Soo Hyun, Shin Ha Kyun received the Best Actor Award for playing Lee Dong Sik in "Beyond Evil." This multi-layered and intriguing crime thriller engages both the mind and heart of the audience, keeping them on the edge of their seats, and Shin Ha Kyun has delivered an impeccable performance here to bring the horror of this show to life.
2. Kang Ha Neul (2020)
When the Camellia Blooms" is a rom-com that has all the elements of a beautiful love story between a single mother and a helpful police officer. Here Ha Neul's character Hwang Yong Sik is genuinely every girl's dream- a man who does it all for love.
3. Lee Byung-Hun (2019)
In 2019, Lee Byung-hun received the Baeksang Arts Awards in the Best Actor category for his performance in "Mr. Sunshine." The plot set in 1871 depicts a historical turn point for South Korea. This 24-episode long drama has a slow start with a massive storyline and tragic ending while boasting exceptional performances from the actors.
4. Cho Seung-Woo (2018)
Cha Seung-woo received the Best Actor Award for playing Hwang Simok in the crime thriller "Stranger." This series has two installments and is extremely popular all over the globe. In the drama, he's a prosecutor who joins forces with an intelligent police officer to solve a gruesome murder.
5. Gong Yoo (2017)
Gong Yoo never fails to win over his audience. In 2017, he took on the role of Kim Shin, an immortal, lonely goblin with a blade stuck in his chest. In his journey to look for his bride who can remove the sword, he falls for a mortal woman and becomes her guardian angel. Indeed he deserved this Award for playing this beautiful role in "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God."
6. Yoo Ah-In (2016)
Yoo Ah-in is a talented actor and model with several international brands lined up on his tray. Apart from setting ramps on fire, in 2016, he won the Best Actor Award for his excellent performance in "Six Flying Dragons," a period drama dealing with ambitious characters, their conflicts, and their success.
7. Lee Sung-Min (2015)
"Misaeng: Incomplete Life" was the highlight of the year dealing with a cruel corporate sector where the employees can only describe themselves as trapped. Lee Sung-min got the Best Actor Award for portraying a character named Oh Sang Sik, a good man with a fantastic personality, trying to deal with the horrors of the corporate world and free himself from his mundane existence.
8. Cho Jae Hyun (2014)
Cho Jae Hyun received the accolade for being the Best Actor for his role in "Jeong Do-jeon." This period drama was based in the 14th century when state corruption forced all honest men to leave their government jobs. Thus unscrupulous people held high offices and caused mayhem in the commoner's life. Here he played the titular character, who is making plans for the new country, unaware of what awaits him in the future.
9. Son Hyun Joo (2013)
Son Hyun Joo received his Best Actor award for playing Baek Hong-suk in the 2012 series "The Chaser." This emotional drama depicts the journey of a grieving man whose life is shattered after the death of his 15-year-old daughter in a car accident, followed by his wife. However, he soon turns his grief into a thirst for vengeance and takes revenge on the corrupt officials who murdered his girl.
10. Kim Soo Hyun (2012)
"Moon Embracing the Sun" is a romantic take comprising both supernatural elements and a political perspective. Here Soo Hyun plays the role of King Lee Hwon with utter perfection. He depicts a king who has fallen for a female shaman and tries to win her over, despite the raging political disharmony that threatens to ruin everything he holds dear.