THE Baeksang Arts Awards The 2026 nominations have ignited a wave of controversy, with two of Korea’s biggest names, Yoo Jae Suk and Park Shin Hye, absent from the list.
For many fans, the omission feels less like a surprise and more like an affront.
Often referred to as the “MC of the nation,” Yoo Jae Suk has remained a dominant force across multiple platforms, consistently delivering ratings and cultural relevance.
Yet despite his continued influence, he failed to get a single nomination in the variety category. The reaction was immediate, fans expressing frustration, with some even staging statements calling for transparency from the awards committee.
For an entertainer who has defined Korean variety television for over a decade, the absence raised eyebrows across the industry.
The controversy didn’t stop there. Actress Park Shin Hye, who directed the hit drama Miss Hong undercovershe was also excluded from the Best Actress nominations.
The drama itself was a huge success, reaching a peak of 14.6% viewers and surpassing 150 million digital views in just two weeks. Its blend of undercover workplace storytelling and the reliability of Park’s performance created what many have dubbed the “Miss Hong Syndrome.”
Given these numbers, his absence from the list of candidates has only intensified public skepticism.
The growing debate centers on one key question: What exactly do the Baeksang Awards judge?
While some argue that the awards prioritize artistic merit over popularity, critics say the criteria seem increasingly opaque. The disconnect between measurable success ratings, buzz, impact and final nominations has led to accusations that subjective preferences may outweigh objective results.
Still others defend the system, pointing out that nominations are based on recommendations from broadcasters, production companies and distributors, followed by evaluation by a panel of experts.
Sources: Daum | Television reportage
