‘No Other Choice’ Claims Best Film Victory at the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards

The 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards reached a cinematic peak on May 8, 2026, as the film ‘No Other Choice’ took home the prestigious Best Film award. Held at COEX Hall D in Seoul, the ceremony celebrated the finest achievements in South Korean popular culture, cementing ‘No Other Choice’ as a standout work in this year’s competitive field.

Park Chan-wook on Humor and Healing

Director Park Chan-wook, accepting the award for ‘No Other Choice,’ delivered a speech that blended his signature wit with a deep reflection on the role of comedy in cinema. He opened with a lighthearted remark, suggesting that the win provided confirmation that the judging process was conducted fairly.

Beyond the jokes, Park shared a poignant perspective on the thematic core of the film. He described ‘No Other Choice’ as a work saturated with humor and irony, arguing that laughter is a vital tool for survival during times of hardship.

“I believe there is a need for an attitude where people constantly throw jokes, try to make those around them laugh, and sometimes even satirize themselves, even when they are experiencing anger or sadness,” Park stated.

According to the director, this specific type of humor serves as an emotional valve, gradually draining the energy of anger and sorrow to create a necessary exit for those difficult emotions.

Park concluded his remarks with a touch of humility, jokingly noting that while he may not have secured awards at the Venice International Film Festival or a nomination for the Academy Awards, the audience should trust his insights because he is now a Baeksang winner.

A Milestone Year for Baeksang

The Baeksang Arts Awards, established in 1965 to foster the development of popular culture and arts in Korea, marked its 62nd anniversary this year. While the ceremony has traditionally focused on three core categories—television, film, and theater—the 2026 edition introduced a significant expansion.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Korean musical theater, the awards established a brand-new Musical Division, broadening the scope of the event to honor the diverse landscape of South Korean performing arts.

The Road to Victory: Best Film Nominees

The competition for Best Film was particularly fierce this year. ‘No Other Choice’ emerged victorious from a shortlist of highly acclaimed works. The final nominees included:

• No Other Choice (Winner)
• 3rd Grade 2nd Semester
• Good News
• Master of the World
• The Man Living with the King

Key Takeaways from the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards

• Top Honor: ‘No Other Choice’ won the Best Film award.
• Directorial Insight: Park Chan-wook emphasized humor as a mechanism for resolving anger and sadness.
• Event Expansion: A new Musical category was added to celebrate 60 years of Korean musical theater.
• Legacy: The awards continue a tradition of excellence dating back to 1965.

As the South Korean film industry continues to gain global momentum, the victory of ‘No Other Choice’ highlights a continuing trend toward sophisticated storytelling that balances dark emotional themes with sharp, satirical humor. With the addition of the musical category, the Baeksang Arts Awards further solidify their position as the definitive barometer of artistic success in Korea.