The 2025 Baeksang Arts Awards nominees for Best Actor in the TV category are heralding "a true war of acting gods." Byun Woo-seok, Lee Joon-hyuk, Ju Jihoon, and Han Suk-kyu. Just hearing their names is convincing; these four actors have showcased their presence through distinctly colored works and are set for an unavoidable showdown over the Baeksang trophy.
Byun Woo-seok, the face of "Jumping with Seon-jae" representing youth
Byun Woo-seok from tvN's "Jumping with Seon-jae" is the main character who has brought a phenomenon-level popularity. Taking on the role of Ryu Seon-jae, he convincingly portrayed youthful and earnest love, stirring viewers' excitement. This work, which has left the strongest impact since his debut, is being speculated as his first opportunity for Best Actor.
Lee Joon-hyuk, delivering a performance full of complex emotions in "Good or Bad Dong-jae"
The Tving original series "Good or Bad Dong-jae" is a spinoff of the critically acclaimed "Stranger" series, depicting the bold survival of prosecutor Seo Dong-jae (played by Lee Joon-hyuk), who wishes to be acknowledged in the present while breaking away from a past as a spoof prosecutor. In the third season, Lee Joon-hyuk, living his third life as Seo Dong-jae, dramatically announces his return and fulfills viewers' expectations at once.
Through the role of Seo Dong-jae, a character who constantly navigates between law and truth, Lee Joon-hyuk delicately expressed internal turmoil and moral conflict. In this work, he stabilized the narrative with deep performances oscillating between coldness and human agony, receiving praise for reaching another peak in his acting career.
Ju Jihoon, delivering a brilliant performance as a real doctor in "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call"
In the Netflix original "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call," Ju Jihoon played the role of a trauma surgeon who saves patients on the brink of life and death, becoming a key element that drives the drama's reality and tension. His restrained emotional acting and strong character portrayal led viewers to remark, "It has to be Ju Jihoon."
Han Suk-kyu, proving peak acting skills in "Such a Familiar Betrayer"
In MBC's "Such a Familiar Betrayer," Han Suk-kyu took on the role of Jang Tae-soo, the only profiler in South Korea from the police academy, skillfully portraying coldness and profound internal anguish. Han Suk-kyu's acting, which conveys emotions with heavy presence and a single glance, remains robust, once again proving his title as "an acting master."
With four actors achieving top performances across various genres, from newcomers to veterans, genre works to straightforward dramas, and terrestrial broadcasting to OTT, the recipient of the Best Actor award remains unpredictable until the day of the ceremony. This lineup, balanced in acting ability, buzz, and popularity, is likely to be remembered as the fiercest competition in the history of the Baeksang.
Who will be the star of the Baeksang? Attention is focused on the outcome until the awards ceremony day.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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