“How Did She Not Make the List?”: Lim Ji-yeon’s Baeksang Snub Sparks Fan Outrage
The announcement of the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards nominees has sparked controversy, particularly in the Best Actress in a Television Drama category, after acclaimed actress Lim Ji-yeon was notably absent from the list, despite her standout lead role in “The Tale of Lady Ok.”
While this year’s five nominees, Go Min-si, Kim Tae-ri, Kim Hye-yoon, IU, and Jang Na-ra, have been lauded for their powerful performances, fans and critics alike are questioning the omission of Lim Ji-yeon, whose role in “The Tale of Lady Ok” was widely seen as a career-defining performance.
A “Career Peak” That Wasn’t Recognized
Lim starred as the titular character in the JTBC period drama, which garnered over 13% in viewership ratings and earned both commercial success and critical acclaim. Her emotionally rich and nuanced portrayal was hailed by audiences, with many calling it her best work to date. Her absence from the Best Actress category has prompted confusion, especially considering that “The Tale of Lady Ok” is nominated for Best Drama, and co-star Choo Young-woo received a nod for Best New Actor (TV).
“How can the show and supporting actor be nominated, but not the lead who carried the story?” one viewer commented online.
Industry Speculation and Fan Disappointment
While insiders noted that Baeksang limits each acting category to five nominees, leading to inevitable omissions in strong years, some called this a “logic-defying snub.” The fact that Lim Ji-yeon did receive a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Film for her role in “Revolver” led to speculation that judges may have tried to balance nominations across categories.
However, the Baeksang Awards do not prohibit multiple nominations across film and television, and past ceremonies have seen actors recognized in both divisions within the same year, casting doubt on that theory. One industry insider remarked, “Even with tough competition, it’s surprising to see a supporting actor nominated from a drama, but not its lead.”
Social media has seen an outpouring of support for Lim Ji-yeon, with hashtags like #JusticeForLimJiYeon circulating among fans. Some netizens expressed understanding of the tough choices involved in the nomination process, while others questioned the consistency of the selection.
“It’s not about winning; it’s about acknowledging a remarkable performance,” one fan wrote. “Her acting touched people. She deserved that nomination.”
A Snub, or Simply the Cost of Competition?
While the Baeksang selection process remains confidential, it’s widely regarded as one of the most rigorous in the Korean entertainment industry. Judges consider acting skill, cultural impact, and overall contribution to the work. Still, in a year filled with extraordinary female-led performances, Lim Ji-yeon’s exclusion feels glaring to many.
Whether this was a calculated choice or an unfortunate casualty of stiff competition, it’s clear that Lim Ji-yeon’s performance in “The Tale of Lady Ok” left a lasting impression, even if it didn’t make the official list. And for many fans, that impact speaks louder than any nomination ever could.