IU may not have taken home an individual award this year, but the drama she starred in, When Life Gives You Tangerines, still swept the stage at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards with Gucci.

On May 5, the annual ceremony was held at COEX D Hall in Gangnam, Seoul, with Shin Dong Yup, Suzy, and Park Bo Gum as hosts. While many fans hoped to see IU and Park Bo Gum win Best Actress and Best Actor, those categories went to other stars. Still, When Life Gives You Tangerines didn’t leave empty-handed—it won Best Drama, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Screenplay in the TV category.

IU, who looked stunning at the event, was seen clapping proudly from her seat throughout the team’s big wins.

Director Kim Won Seok accepted the Best Drama award and delivered a heartfelt speech, saying, “In this age of hate, I hoped our drama would help people choose kindness. Thank you to writer Im Sang Choon, the actors, staff, and Pan Entertainment for making this happen.”

Actress Yeom Hye Ran, who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in the drama, got emotional on stage and said, “My girls from the show are here—mom won a big award! This isn’t just a simple prize. Thank you to everyone who supported our drama. I’m honored to be remembered as Gwang Rye.”

Choi Dae Hoon also touched hearts with his Best Supporting Actor speech. He shared, “This feels unreal. I’ve never won much in life, so this award is very special. It’s the best Children’s Day gift ever.” He added that the drama healed him and promised to stay committed to acting with positive energy.

He even brought some laughs by ending his speech with his signature line: “In this tough and tiring world, when you're worn out, just look there and shout—Hak-ssi!”

Although IU and Park Bo Gum didn’t receive acting trophies, fans said their presence and support showed true team spirit.

The Baeksang Arts Awards remain South Korea’s only major event to recognize achievements across TV, film, and theater.

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Lim Ji Yeon showed just how close she is to her co-stars as she tearfully celebrated their big wins at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards.

The ceremony took place on May 5 at COEX D Hall in Gangnam, Seoul, with hosts Shin Dong Yup, Suzy, and Park Bo Gum leading the night. Lim Ji Yeon attended as a nominee for Best Supporting Actress in the film category for Revolver. Though she didn’t take home the award, she drew attention for her touching reaction to her colleagues' wins.

First up, her The Story of Mrs. Ok co-star Chu Young Woo won Best New Actor in the TV category.

During his heartfelt speech, he humbly said, “I don’t think everything I’ve done so far is just because of me,” as he thanked the production team.

When the camera panned to Lim Ji Yeon, she was seen holding back tears but smiling proudly.

Later that evening, Lim Ji Yeon couldn't hide her emotions when Jeon Do Yeon—her Revolver co-star—won Best Actress in the film category.

As soon as Jeon Do Yeon's name was called, Lim Ji Yeon immediately stood up, hugged her tightly, and cried. It was a beautiful moment that showed how much admiration she has for the veteran actress.

Previously, when Lim won Best Supporting Actress at the 2024 Buil Film Awards, she had said, “I was a fan who wanted to become like you, and I felt like I succeeded when I got to act with you and look into your eyes.”

Despite her powerful performance in The Story of Mrs. Ok, Lim Ji Yeon was not nominated in the TV Best Actress category—something many viewers felt was unfair.

The drama was recognized in several major categories including Best Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress, and Best New Actor.

Lim Ji Yeon played the complex lead role of Gu Deok Yi, who transforms into the noblewoman Ok Taek Young. Her acting was praised for its depth, and the drama itself gained buzz for its strong storyline and empowering message, with ratings peaking at over 13%.

Fans continue to shower Lim Ji Yeon with support, praising her talent, grace, and the sincere love she shows her fellow actors.

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