The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards may have wrapped, but conversations around the night’s biggest winners continue to dominate Korean entertainment forums. Among the most talked-about results was Kim Tae-ri’s victory as Best Actress in Television, an honor that came despite fierce competition from major names like Jang Nara, Kim Hye-yoon, and IU.
With IU gaining critical praise for her emotional turn in When Life Gives You Tangerines and Kim Hye-yoon winning hearts in Lovely Runner, some viewers expected an upset. But as the dust settles, most agree: Kim Tae-ri’s performance in Jeong Nyeon was too powerful to overlook.
A Demanding, Layered Role
Unlike more contemporary or emotionally expressive characters, Yoon Jeong-nyeon in Jeong Nyeon posed an entirely different challenge. Set in the 1950s, post-Korean War, the drama follows a young woman born into poverty who dreams of becoming a pansori (traditional Korean narrative singing) performer.
To portray Jeong-nyeon convincingly, Kim Tae-ri didn’t just have to act she had to sing, perform, and embody the soul of a lost era. Her ability to deliver raw emotion while mastering pansori sequences showcased not only her technical skill but also a deep understanding of the character’s cultural weight.
“Kim Tae Ri didn’t just act Jeong-nyeon she brought her to life,” said one viewer after watching a compilation of her performance.
Was It a Controversial Win?
While IU and Kim Hye-yoon each had standout years, Kim Tae-ri’s Baeksang win has largely been met with support from both critics and general audiences. Rather than being a popularity-based victory, it was seen as a recognition of depth, dedication, and artistic integrity.
The Verdict: A Best Actress Who Needs No Defense
In an industry filled with big names, not all are remembered for their acting. But to be crowned Baeksang’s Best Actress is to be acknowledged not for star power, but for artistic impact. And Kim Tae-ri has proven time and again that she is not just an actress, but a storyteller.
So, is Kim Tae-ri a deserving winner? The answer is a resounding yes. And more than that she is a reminder that when performance meets purpose, recognition will naturally follow.