'The King's Warden' duo scores wins at Baeksang Awards

▲ A still from "The King's Warden" is seen in this image provided by Showbox Co. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲ Actor Ryu Seung-ryong attends the red carpet event at the 62nd Baeksang Awards at the COEX exhibition center in southern Seoul on May 8, 2026. (Yonhap)

▲ This image, provided by tvN, shows the drama series "Our Unwritten Seoul." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Baeksang-winners

'The King's Warden' duo scores wins at Baeksang Awards

By Lee Minji

SEOUL, May 9 (Yonhap) -- The historical drama film "The King's Warden" scored major wins at the 62nd Baeksang Awards on Friday, with its main cast clinching both the grand prize and best new actor in the film category.

Directed by Jang Hang-jun, the film portrays the unlikely friendship between village chief Eom Heung-do (Yoo Hae-jin) and the dethroned King Danjong (Park Ji-hoon) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) during the latter's exile in the village.

Praised for its ensemble performance, which depicts the young king's struggles and his friendship with the villagers, it has become the second-most watched film in Korean cinema history following its release in February.

Yoo won the grand prize, while Park won best new actor and the most popular artist award for a male artist. The film also received the Gucci impact award.

"On this occasion, I would like to truly thank the some 17 million audience (members) who watched 'The King's Warden,'" Yoo said after accepting the award. "It's fortunate and good to know that people are realizing the taste of the forgotten cinema."

"No Other Choice," a black comedy thriller by renowned director Park Chan-wook of "Decision to Leave," won best movie and best supporting actor, while Mun Ka-young and Park Jeong-min received the best actress and best actor awards for their performances in "Once We Were Us" and "The Ugly," respectively.

Park stressed the importance of humor in life, saying "No Other Choice" was a film full of jokes.

"At times we are angry or sad, I think we need to have an attitude of always cracking jokes and making others laugh ... that is how we can relieve the energy of anger and sorrow and find a way out," he said.

"The World of Love," an independent drama film that portrays a teen's courageous journey to confront her past pain, clinched best director and best new actress.

In the TV category, Ryu Seung-ryong grabbed the grand prize with his appearance in the JTBC drama series "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim," which depicts the soul-searching journey of a middle-aged corporate employee who encounters a midlife crisis.

Yoo Seung-mok received best supporting actor for his role in the drama.

The tvN drama series "Our Unwritten Seoul" and the Netflix hit "You and Everything Else" both picked up multiple awards.

"Our Unwritten Seoul," featuring heroine Park Bo-young, received best director and best actress, while "You and Everything Else" won best drama and best screenplay.

Actor Hyun Bin took home best actor with his role in Disney+'s Korean original series "Made in Korea."

Established in 1965, the Baeksang Arts Awards stand as one of the country's most esteemed entertainment award ceremonies, recognizing excellence across the realms of television, film and theater. Awards are given to works released during the period from April last year to March.

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