The presence of terrestrial broadcasting at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards was merely a 'faint trace.'
On the 5th, at the awards ceremony held in Hall D of COEX in Seoul, MBC's 'Such a Close Betrayer' claimed the award for best directing in the broadcasting institutional sector (directed by Song Yeon-hwa) and the best newcomer actress award (Chae Won-bin), thereby preserving the pride of terrestrial broadcasting. Without 'Such a Close Betrayer,' terrestrial broadcasting would have faced obliteration.
Jang Na-ra and Kim Jun-han from SBS's 'Good Partner' were nominated for the best actress award and best supporting actor award, respectively, but did not win. Many terrestrial dramas, including KBS, failed to even be nominated in major institutional sectors, diminishing their stature. As a result, this year's Baeksang became a 'game' for OTT and cable channels, while terrestrial broadcasting merely became a spectator.
The entertainment institutional sector was even harsher. Nominees for the best entertainment program included tvN's 'Iron Boy Squad,' Mnet's 'Stage Fighter,' YouTube's 'Ajo's Afterlife,' YouTube's 'Wind Direction High,' and Netflix's 'Culinary Class Wars.' Terrestrial broadcasting, which once led the golden age of national entertainment with 'Infinite Challenge' and '1 Night 2 Days,' is now unable to even get a nomination. The grand award ultimately went to Netflix's 'Culinary Class Wars.'
The reality is that OTT is the trend. In particular, global platforms including Netflix and cable channels hold the content lead with experimental formats, genre-breaking, and solid production budgets, while terrestrial broadcasting remains stuck in 'managed broadcasting,' failing to prevent viewer attrition.
In the past, terrestrial broadcasting content moved the nation to tears and laughter as 'national entertainment' and 'national dramas.' Now, it is faltering, falling behind in both viewership ratings and influence, leaving only the question, 'Where should it go?'
Meanwhile, the 'Baeksang Arts Awards' is the only comprehensive art award ceremony in South Korea that encompasses broadcasting, film, and theater.
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