Lee Byung Hun, G-Dragon and Kim Hae Sook are among the stars receiving top distinctions at this year’s Korean Popular Culture & Arts Awards, the government’s highest recognition for achievements in entertainment and the arts.
The awards ceremony—jointly hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA)—will take place at the National Theater of Korea on October 22nd and 23rd, honoring both creators and performers who have made outstanding contributions to Korean pop culture.
The Cultural Orders, the most prestigious of the honors, went to some of the country’s most respected artists.
The Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit was awarded to veteran actress Kim Hae Sook for her decades of acclaimed work across television and film.
The Bogwan Order was bestowed upon Lee Byung Hun, recognized for elevating Korean cinema onto the global stage through both domestic blockbusters and Hollywood roles, and Jung Dong Hwan, honored for his continued creative exploration of classical literature and philosophy on stage.
The Okgwan Order recipients include iconic voice actor Bae Han Sung, veteran comedian the late Jeon Yoo Sung, and global K-pop superstar G-Dragon, acknowledged for expanding the influence of Hallyu worldwide.
In addition to the Cultural Orders, Presidential Citations went to actors Kim Mi Kyung, Lee Min Ho, and Lee Jung Eun, as well as TVXQ, BLACKPINK’s Rosé, SEVENTEEN, and voice actor Kim Eun Young. Prime Minister’s Citations were presented to actors Kim Ji Won, Kim Tae Ri, Park Bo Young, Park Hae Joon, Ju Ji Hoon, and idol groups ATEEZ and TWICE, among others.
The Minister of Culture’s Commendations recognized rising talents including Go Youn Jung, Byeon Woo Seok, Ji Chang Wook, Choo Young Woo, and the next generation of K-pop acts RIIZE, LE SSERAFIM, (G)I-DLE, and ZEROBASEONE, as well as comedian Lee Soo Ji and choreographer BEBE.
A ministry spokesperson said, “Through these awards, we aim to honor both creators and production teams whose passion continues to drive the global success of K-content.”
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