K-Pop Idol Wins First-Ever Baeksang And Immediately Sparks Debate With His Acceptance Speech

Kim Junsu, former TVXQ member-turned-soloist and now a well-established musical theater actor, unexpectedly sparked debate during his acceptance speech at the “62nd Baeksang Arts Awards” after suggesting that the ceremony split one of its categories by gender.

On May 8, 2026 (KST), the OG K-Pop icon won the newly established “Musical Acting Award” for his role in the musical Beetlejuice. This year marked the first time the Baeksang Arts Awards introduced an official musical category in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Korean musicals.

The idol-turned-musical actor appeared genuinely shocked when his name was announced.

I honestly didn’t think I would win, so I didn’t prepare a speech…

— Kim Junsu

Nonetheless, Kim Junsu did not miss out on the chance to make a quick suggestion that quickly caught viewers’ attention.

Personally, I hope that starting next year, you separate this award into male and female categories.

— Kim Junsu

The unexpected remark immediately sparked discussion online, with some agreeing that separate categories could better recognize even more performers individually, while others preferred keeping the award gender-neutral.

Read more about the “62nd Baeksang Arts Awards” here:

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