IU Shines Despite Missing Out on a Win at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards
IU, beloved singer and actress, has once again captured hearts — this time through a series of behind-the-scenes photos from the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards.

On May 7, IU posted several pictures on her social media account with the simple caption, “Baeksang Arts Awards.” The photos show her getting her makeup done before the event and sharing a sweet moment with young actress Kim Tae-yeon, who played the younger version of Ae-soon in the drama When Life Gives You Tangerines (Korean title: 폭삭 속았수다). Dressed elegantly and flashing her natural, graceful smile, IU enchanted fans all over again.
However, on the day of the awards ceremony, IU unfortunately went home empty-handed.
Despite her outstanding performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines, where she flawlessly took on the challenge of playing two roles — young Ae-soon and the older version — she did not win in any category. Many fans expressed disappointment, especially since the competition was fierce in the Best Actress category. Social media was flooded with reactions like, “Is it really true that IU didn’t win?” and “IU is my personal Best Actress.”

The Success of When Life Gives You Tangerines
The Netflix original series When Life Gives You Tangerines was nominated for eight awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards, drawing major attention. The drama took home four awards, including Best Drama, Best Screenplay, and both Supporting Actor and Actress awards, proving its artistic value and direction.
IU’s portrayal of Ae-soon — from her rebellious teenage years to her growth into adulthood — was praised for its depth and emotional range. Her natural use of the Jeju dialect and delicate emotional delivery resonated deeply with viewers both in Korea and across Asia.

Fierce Competition and No Win
In the Best Actress category, Kim Tae-ri from The Youngest Son and Ju Ji-hoon from Severe Trauma Center took home the top honors. Meanwhile, When Life Gives You Tangerines actors Yum Hye-ran and Choi Dae-hoon received Supporting Actor and Actress awards, once again highlighting the series’ exceptional cast.
Still, many fans found IU’s absence from the winner’s list puzzling, saying that without her, Tangerines would not have had the same impact.

IU’s Graceful Presence and Fans’ Support
Even without a trophy, IU’s graceful attitude stood out. She cheered for her fellow actors, including Shin Chae-rin, with warm and genuine reactions throughout the ceremony. Fans responded with heartfelt messages like, “IU gave us more than just acting — she gave us emotion,” and “She shined brighter than any trophy.”

Looking Ahead: IU’s Next Role
Despite missing out on an award, IU has cemented her place as a respected actress with roles in acclaimed dramas like My Mister and When Life Gives You Tangerines. Her next project, 21st Century Lady (tentative title), will see her team up with actor Byun Woo-seok, raising anticipation for another transformation on screen.
In Summary:
- IU was nominated in eight categories but did not win any awards.
- When Life Gives You Tangerines won four major awards.
- Fans praised IU’s acting and expressed disappointment over the results.
- IU showed class and warmth during the awards.
- Her next drama, 21st Century Lady, is already generating buzz.
What do you think?
What are your thoughts on IU missing out on an award at this year’s Baeksang Arts Awards? Share your opinions in the comments — do you think she deserved to win?
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