Artists belonging to CP Entertainment won awards at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, recognizing their achievements over the past year.
The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, established in 1965 to promote the development of Korean popular culture and boost the morale of artists, were held on May 5 at the COEX D Hall in Gangnam, Seoul. During the ceremony, artists Shin Dong-kyu, Lee Su-ji, and Ji Ye-eun, all belonging to CP Entertainment, were nominated for both the male and female entertainment awards in the broadcasting institutional sector, drawing public attention, and ultimately Shin Dong-kyu and Lee Su-ji took home the honors.
The winners of the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards were selected based on content provided through various services, including OTT platforms, from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. This year, the judging criteria were significantly expanded to align with consumer content trends, leading to fierce competition to win the trophy, adding to the joy of receiving an award.
Shin Dong-kyu, as a top MC in South Korea, showcased his talents in regular programs as well as in Coupang Play's comedy show and South Korea's unique live show, 'SNL Korea' Season 6. He played the role of a stereotypical boss in the newly launched Coupang Play series 'Workers,' winning over audiences with his divine improvisation and comedic performance. Additionally, he has demonstrated consistent leadership skills and wit across various programs from last year to the first half of this year, such as 'Possessed Love 1,2,' 'Solo,' and 'King of Singers 2.' He has also surpassed 1.8 million subscribers on his YouTube channel 'Jjanhan Hyung,' continuously bringing fresh laughter both online and offline.
Shin Dong-kyu, who won the male entertainment award, noted, “It felt like my mind went blank, just like when I received the rookie award. There’s no greater happiness than when people around me laugh and enjoy what I say, similar to when a friend enjoys a meal I introduced. The theme of this year’s Baeksang Arts Awards is 'Towards, Sailing.' Although I have been broadcasting for over 30 years, I am unsure where I have been sailing. However, when juniors starting their journey struggle to find their way, I will strive to be a senior who helps them with a favorable wind for smooth sailing. I sincerely thank you.”
Lee Su-ji's recent addition to CP Entertainment and her winning the female entertainment award at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards marked a significant milestone. Lee Su-ji stood out in the Coupang Play comedy show 'SNL Korea' Season 6, leading the popularity and appeal of the production, and showed impressive popularity in the Coupang Play series 'Workers.' She launched her YouTube channel 'Hot Issue Ji' at the end of last year, where she delicately depicts social phenomena and characters, perfectly capturing public attention through various parodies and memes. Moreover, she has been active in various programs such as 'Method Club' and 'No MZ for Seniors.'
Lee Su-ji, the winner of the female entertainment award, expressed, “I believe the funniest people are the most beautiful. I am grateful for 'SNL Korea,' which reached out during a time when the stage for laughter was disappearing, and I was pondering how to create spaces to make people laugh.” She added, “What started as a desire to make people laugh has given me the strength to continue doing so thanks to the viewers. I would like to dedicate this award to the seniors and peers who help create laughter for a better world.”
Meanwhile, CP Entertainment, a subsidiary of Coupang, was established in 2023 as a comprehensive entertainment company. It includes talents like Shin Dong-kyu, Lee Su-ji, and Ji Ye-eun, providing the best environment for the growth of top artists. Additionally, CP Entertainment actively produces works that deliver fresh laughter and inspiration, such as the Coupang Play flagship series 'SNL Korea' and 'Workers,' solidifying its position as Asia's leading comedy studio.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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