Rising Star Shines Bright at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards
Korean actor Choo Young-woo reached a major milestone in his acting career by winning the Best New Actor in TV award at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, held on May 5 at COEX D Hall in Gangnam, Seoul. He earned the honor for his performance in the JTBC K-drama ‘The Tale of Mrs. Ok’.
“This Moment Feels Like a Gift”
After receiving the award, Choo humbly expressed his gratitude, saying, “Just standing here is overwhelming and an honor.” He went on to thank the director, writer, and fellow cast members, calling the award a collective achievement rather than a solo victory.
He also quoted advice he once received from his acting teacher, saying, “Don’t be a rusty actor who disappears—be someone who wears down from constant effort.” With firm resolve, he added, “I’ll keep working hard until the day I wake up and head to set as an actor.”
A Standout Dual-Role Debut in a Historical Drama
In ‘The Tale of Mrs. Ok’, Choo took on the challenge of playing two characters: Cheon Seung-hwi, a mythical storyteller from the heavens, and Seong Yoon-gyeom, the eldest son from a noble family. This 1-person-2-roles performance marked his first appearance in a historical drama (sageuk), and he captivated viewers with his nuanced facial expressions, controlled tone, and emotional depth.
One memorable scene shows Choo’s character repeating to himself, “I’m great. I’m amazing,”—a mantra that resonated with many viewers seeking confidence and courage in their own lives.
‘Leading Man in the Making’
Nicknamed a “Sure-Bet Leading Man,” Choo has consistently taken on daring roles in each project. This year, he is set to appear in the upcoming Netflix series ‘Square’ and the tvN drama ‘Gyeonwoo and Jiknyeo’, showcasing his versatility and rising popularity across both streaming platforms and TV networks.
His Best New Actor win is seen as a defining moment in his career, opening the door to bigger roles and broader recognition in the Korean entertainment industry.
Fans and Industry Celebrate His Achievement
Choo Young-woo’s award has generated excitement not just among fans but throughout the wider entertainment circle. With growing praise for both his talent and dedication, expectations are high for how he’ll continue to evolve as one of K-drama’s most promising young actors.
