Yoo Hae-jin wins grand prize at 62nd Baeksang Awards for 'The King's Warden'

Actor Yoo Hae-jin claimed the grand prize and Park Ji-hoon won best new actor at the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards Friday for their work in the historical film "The King's Warden," capping a dominant night for one of South Korea's biggest box office hits.

"The King's Warden," which depicts the friendship between village chief Eom Heung-do and the dethroned Joseon king Danjong, has drawn 17 million viewers since its February 2026 release, making it the second-most watched film in Korean cinema history, according to The Korea Times.

The film, directed by Jang Hang-jun, also received the Gucci Impact Award, adding to a sweeping night for the production.

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

Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice" also drew major recognition, winning best movie and best supporting actor for Yoo Seung-mok. Director Park used his speech to reflect on humor as a coping force. "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," Park said, The Korea Times reported.

In other film categories, Park Jeong-min won best actor and Mun Ka-young took best actress. Park Ji-hoon's best new actor win rounded out a strong showing for "The King's Warden" in the acting categories.

On the television side, Ryu Seung-ryong won the TV grand prize for "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim," while Hyun Bin claimed best TV actor for "Made in Korea."

The Baeksang Arts Awards, established in 1965, honor works released between April of the previous year and March of the current year across film, television and theater.

The 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards ceremony underscored a banner year for Korean cinema, with "The King's Warden" and "No Other Choice" together claiming nearly every major film honor.