The 60th Baeksang Arts Awards 2024 sparked heated discussions among K-drama fans when Ji Chang Wook, a beloved actor, missed out on nominations despite delivering standout performances. Many pointed fingers at Kim Soo Hyun’s prominence, fueled by rumors of last-minute changes. Here’s a detailed look at what happened, based on verified information, to clear up the speculation.
Ji Chang Wook’s Strong 2023 Performances
Ji Chang Wook had a remarkable year in 2023 with two hit dramas. In The Worst of Evil, he played a tough police officer infiltrating a drug cartel, earning praise for his intense action scenes and emotional depth. The Disney+ series was a gritty crime thriller that showcased his versatility. He followed it with Welcome to Samdal Ri, a heartwarming JTBC rom-com where he portrayed a small-town weatherman reconnecting with his past. Fans and critics lauded his ability to shift between genres seamlessly.
Both dramas aired within the Baeksang eligibility period (April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024), making him a strong contender for Best Actor. His absence from the final nominees shocked many, as his performances were widely celebrated.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Baeksang Spotlight
Kim Soo Hyun, a household name in K-dramas, secured a Best Actor nomination for his role in Queen of Tears, a tvN drama that was still airing during the nomination period. The series, a romantic melodrama, drew massive viewership, and Kim Soo Hyun’s portrayal of a lawyer navigating love and crisis earned him critical acclaim. He also won the PRIZM Popularity Award, voted by fans from April 25 to May 4, 2024, highlighting his massive fanbase.
The Baeksang rules allowed ongoing series to qualify if at least one-third of episodes aired by March 31, 2024. Queen of Tears met this criterion, making Kim Soo Hyun’s nomination valid. However, his inclusion fueled debates, as some felt the awards favored star power over completed works.
The Rumor of a Leaked Nomination List
Social media buzzed with claims that Ji Chang Wook was on a “leaked” nomination list for Best Actor, only to be replaced in the official announcement on April 8, 2024. A netizen commented:
In that leaked nomination list, Ji Chang-wook’s name was there, but after the official nominations, his name was removed and they added someone else — I don’t have to say who that was.
This sparked speculation that Kim Soo Hyun’s name took Ji Chang Wook’s spot. However, no credible evidence supports the existence of a leaked list. Sources clarify that what some called a “leak” was likely a fan’s prediction on a forum, not an official document. The rumor gained traction amid Kim Sae Ron’s unrelated dating scandal, which briefly linked her to Kim Soo Hyun, adding fuel to fan theories about industry favoritism.
Why Was Ji Chang Wook Snubbed?
The Baeksang Arts Awards are judged by 60 industry experts who evaluate performances based on artistic merit, impact, and innovation. The 2024 Best Actor nominees were:
Kim Soo Hyun for Queen of Tears
Namgoong Min for My Dearest
Ryu Seung Ryong for Moving
Yoo Yeon Seok for A Bloody Lucky Day
Im Siwan for Boyhood
Competition was fierce, with Namgoong Min ultimately winning for his historical role in My Dearest. Several factors may explain Ji Chang Wook’s omission:
Role Selection: Some speculated his roles, while popular, weren’t as critically groundbreaking as nominees’ projects. The Worst of Evil leaned heavily on action, and Welcome to Samdal Ri was a lighter rom-com, possibly less impactful in the eyes of judges.
Crowded Field: 2023 was packed with stellar performances. Dramas like Moving and My Dearest dominated nominations, leaving little room for others.
No Favoritism Evidence: No verified reports confirm Ji Chang Wook was removed for Kim Soo Hyun or anyone else. The nomination process is rigorous, and changes after shortlisting are rare.
Fans expressed frustration online. One wrote:
Why is @jichangwook not nominated? Every single one of his dramas, his acting is beyond compare. Not to mention how amazing he was in this year’s dramas ‘The Worst of Evil’ and ‘Welcome to Samdalri’ where he surpassed expectations and blew everyone’s mind.
Another fan vented:
TWO amazing & memorable roles in 2023, and no Ji Chang Wook? Further proof that these awards shows are a joke.
The Bigger Picture for Ji Chang Wook
Despite the snub, Ji Chang Wook’s career remains strong. In 2024, he starred in the action film Revolver, playing a former police officer seeking justice, and led dramas like Gangnam B-Side, a crime thriller, and Queen Woo, a historical saga. These projects show his continued demand and versatility.
Interestingly, Ji Chang Wook faced a similar snub at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards 2025, missing nominations despite new releases. Fans again voiced disappointment, but his focus on diverse roles suggests he’s prioritizing craft over awards.
Clearing the Air on Controversy
The idea that Kim Soo Hyun’s nomination caused Ji Chang Wook’s removal lacks evidence. Baeksang’s process is transparent, with nominees chosen for merit, not politics. Kim Soo Hyun’s popularity and Queen of Tears’ success made his nod unsurprising, whileJi Chang Wook’s exclusion likely stemmed from tough competition, not foul play.
Fans’ passion reflects their love for Ji Chang Wook, but the narrative of him being “overlooked” may oversimplify a complex judging process. His talent continues to shine, nominations or not.
