The Baeksang Arts Awards, established in 1965, is one of the most esteemed and revered award ceremonies in the South Korean entertainment industry. Held annually, it aims to recognize and honor outstanding achievements in the fields of film, television, and theater. With a rich history spanning several decades, the Baeksang Arts Awards have become a prestigious platform that celebrates exceptional talent, creativity, and artistic excellence.

One of the most coveted accolades at the Baeksang Arts Awards is the Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television. This esteemed award is bestowed upon individuals who have delivered exceptional performances and significantly contributed to the television industry. The Grand Prize for Television honors exceptional people, including actors, actresses, entertainers, screenwriters, producers, directors, and even television shows and dramas that have left an indelible mark on the small screen.  Over the years, the Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television has become a symbol of excellence, shaping the careers of numerous people and propelling them to greater heights within the industry.

In this article, we celebrate nine talented actresses who have clinched this coveted award and explore the remarkable dramas that led them to their well-deserved victories.

Kim Young Ok

Kim Young Ok is a highly respected and talented actress in the South Korean entertainment industry. With a career spanning several decades, she has showcased her versatility and depth through a wide range of roles. She is known as South Korea's "National Grandma" for her many portrayals of grandmothers in film and television and is currently the oldest active actress in Korea. She also made history by becoming the first actress to win the Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television in 1979 for her exceptional portrayal in "I Sell Happiness." Her performance captivated viewers as she portrayed the struggles and triumphs of a woman navigating life's challenges with grace and resilience.

Jung Hye Sun

Jung Hye Sun is a highly acclaimed actress in the South Korean entertainment industry, known for her remarkable talent and captivating performances. She garnered widespread recognition and praise for her acting skills, and in 1979, she achieved a significant milestone in her career by winning the Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television. This prestigious honor was bestowed upon her for her exceptional portrayal in the drama "I Sell Happiness." Jung Hye Sun's performance in the series left a lasting impact on viewers, as she skillfully depicted the complexities of human emotions and the bonds that tie families together. Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters showcased her immense talent and solidified her reputation as a respected actress.

Kim Hye Ja

Kim Hye Ja is a legendary actress in the South Korean entertainment industry, renowned for her incredible talent and versatility. Throughout her illustrious career, she has portrayed a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity, captivating audiences with her exceptional performances. Kim Hye Ja's remarkable achievements include winning the Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television on multiple occasions. Her wins came for her outstanding roles in various dramas, including "I Sell Happiness" in 1979, "Winter Mist" and "Sand Castle" in 1989, "Mom's Dead Upset" in 2009, and "The Light in Your Eyes" in 2019. Kim Hye Ja's talent and dedication have solidified her as one of the most respected and celebrated actresses in the Korean entertainment industry, making her a true icon and being the actress with the most wins of the said award from the Baeksang Arts Award.

Kim Min Ja 

Kim Min Ja's exceptional performance in "A Lonely Affair" earned her the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television in 1980. The series delves into the complexities of relationships and the human condition. The story revolves around the lives of various characters who find themselves entangled in a web of love, betrayal, and personal struggles. Through her nuanced portrayal, she sheds light on the challenges of human relationships, leaving a lasting impact on the viewers.

Kim Hee Ae

Kim Hee Ae, a beloved actress, has been recognized with the Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television twice in her career. Kim Hee Ae's first win came in 1993 for her remarkable performance in the drama "Sons and Daughters." In this series, she portrayed a complex character within a blended family, skillfully navigating the intricacies of relationships and emotions. Years later, in 2004, Kim Hee Ae won the Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television for her role in the drama "Perfect Love." In this series, she portrayed a strong-willed woman fighting for justice and truth. She is the second actress with the most wins of the said award from the Baeksang Arts Award.

Go Doo Shim

Go Doo Shim is a beautiful and talented actress hailing from Jeju Island who has constantly portrayed different sights and circumstances of being a mother. But her compelling portrayal in "My Husband's Woman" earned her the Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television in 1993. Through her powerful acting, she portrayed the complexities and diversities of love, betrayal, and forgiveness, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. She is also named to be the actress who won the most number of Grand Awards or Daesangs in her career.

Go Hyun Jung

Go Hyun Jung's most iconic role came in 2010 when she portrayed Lady Mishil in the historical drama "Queen Seondeok." Her portrayal of the cunning and ambitious antagonist captivated viewers, earning her widespread praise and admiration. Lady Mishil's complex character required Go Hyun Jung to showcase a wide range of emotions and deliver a nuanced performance, which she accomplished flawlessly. Her portrayal of Lady Mishil became a defining moment in her career, with her stellar performance in the historical drama earning her the Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television in 2010. Her portrayal of the ambitious royal concubine Lady Mishil captivated the audience, showcasing her exceptional acting range and depth.

Jun Ji Hyun

Jun Ji Hyun is a highly acclaimed and beloved actress in the South Korean entertainment industry. With her magnetic presence and exceptional acting abilities, she has captured the hearts of viewers both in Korea and internationally. In "My Love from the Stars," she played the role of Cheon Song Yi, a top actress with a larger-than-life personality. Her portrayal of the sassy and charismatic character was nothing short of brilliant, as she brought Song Yi's unique blend of vulnerability, humor, and strength to life. Her impeccable comedic timing, coupled with her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, made her performance in the series unforgettable. Because of her charismatic presence and brilliant acting, she won the Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television in 2014 for her role in "My Love from the Star."

Park Eun Bin

Park Eun Bin is a rising star in the South Korean entertainment industry, known for her exceptional acting skills and versatility. Despite her relatively young age, she has already made a significant impact with her impressive performances in various dramas. In the drama "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," Park Eun Bin portrayed the character of Woo Young Woo, a passionate and determined lawyer. Her nuanced portrayal of Woo Young Woo brought the character to life, and she was recognized with the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television in 2023. With her youthful energy and impressive range as an actress, Park Eun Bin continues to captivate audiences and establish herself as one of the most promising talents in Korean television.

These nine actresses have left an indelible mark on Korean television with their exceptional performances and have been rightfully recognized with the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize for Television. Their talent, dedication, and ability to breathe life into their characters have solidified their positions as icons in the industry, inspiring future generations of actors and actresses to follow in their footsteps.