The King's Warden Wins Grand Prize at 62nd Baeksang Awards
Historical drama 'The King's Warden' dominated the 62nd Baeksang Awards on May 8, 2026, winning the film grand prize, best new actor and the Gucci impact award while becoming the second-most watched Korean film ever. Actor Yoo Hae-jin accepted the grand prize and thanked 17 million viewers. Other top honors went to 'No Other Choice' for best movie and to several television productions.
wornandwound.comThe historical drama "The King's Warden" scored major wins at the 62nd Baeksang Awards ceremony held on May 8, 2026 at the COEX exhibition center in southern Seoul. The film won the grand prize in the film category. Its lead actor Yoo Hae-jin received the grand prize for his performance as village chief Eom Heung-do.
Park Ji-hoon took best new actor in the film category for his portrayal of the dethroned King Danjong and also won the most popular artist award for a male artist. "The King's Warden" received the Gucci impact award. Directed by Jang Hang-jun, the movie depicts the unlikely friendship between the village chief and the young king during his exile in the Joseon Dynasty period from 1392 to 1910.
"The King's Warden" has become the second-most watched film in Korean cinema history after its release in February 2026. Approximately 17 million people watched it. " "No Other Choice," a black comedy thriller directed by Park Chan-wook of "Decision to Leave" fame, won best movie.
Park Chan-wook said "No Other Choice" was a film full of jokes. Park Chan-wook stated: "At times we are angry or sad, I think we need to have an attitude of always cracking jokes and making others laugh ...
In the film category, "The World of Love," an independent drama portraying a teen's journey to confront past pain, won best director and best new actress. Kim," which follows a middle-aged corporate employee's midlife crisis.
Yoo Seung-mok received best supporting actor in the TV category. "Our Unwritten Seoul" received best director and best actress. "You and Everything Else" won best drama and best screenplay. " The Baeksang Arts Awards were established in 1965.
Yonhap reported that awards at the 62nd Baeksang Awards are given to works released during the period from April 2025 to March 2026.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2026-02-01
"The King's Warden" released in theaters
1 sourceYonhap - 2026-04-01
Eligibility period for 62nd Baeksang Awards begins for works from April 2025 onward
1 sourceYonhap - 2026-05-08
62nd Baeksang Awards ceremony held at COEX in southern Seoul
1 sourceYonhap - 2026-05-09
Yonhap publishes full report on award winners and quotes
1 sourceYonhap
Potential Impact
- 01
Increased recognition for actors Park Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong and director Park Chan-wook
- 02
Boosted visibility and likely further box office or streaming interest for "The King's Warden" and other winners
- 03
Highlighted resurgence of historical dramas and independent films in Korean entertainment industry
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