The 2025 Republic of Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards were held on October 23rd, celebrating the nation’s top entertainers. The prestigious event, which is the highest government honor given to figures in the entertainment industry, recognized a wide range of stars, from actors and singers to writers and comedians.
The highest honors of the evening, the Orders of Cultural Merit, were awarded to a select group of legends. The Order of Cultural Merit is conferred in five grades: the 1st grade Geumgwan (Gold Crown), the second grade Eungwan (Silver Crown), the third grade Bogwan (Precious Crown), the fourth grade Okgwan (Jade Crown) and the fifth grade Hwagwan (Flower Crown).
Kim Hae Sook received the Eungwan medal. Lee Byung Hun and Jung Dong Hwan received the Bogwan medal. The Okgwan medal was awarded to BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, comedian Bae Han Sung and posthumously to the late comedian Jeon Yu Seong, who passed away last month. G-Dragon’s win was especially notable, as he became the youngest person ever to receive this prestigious award.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism gave a touching tribute to the late Jeon Yu-seong. “His legacy is synonymous with the history of Korean popular culture,” he said. “We pray for him to rest in peace and will cherish his spirit for a long time.”
Presidential Citations were awarded to major K-pop groups TVXQ! and SEVENTEEN, actors Lee Min Ho and Lee Jung Eun, and BLACKPINK’s Rosé, who was unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony. Prime Minister’s Citations were given to top actresses Kim Tae Ri, Kim Ji Won, and Park Bo Young, among others.
The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Citation was awarded to a host of today’s hottest stars, including (G)I-DLE, Ji Chang-wook and BEBE. Members of RIIZE and LE SSERAFIM were also honored but could not attend.
Below is the full list of this year’s incredible recipients.
Full List of 2025 Winners:
Eungwan Cultural Medal (Silver Crown): Kim Hae Sook
Bogwan Cultural Medal (Precious Crown): Lee Byung Hun, Jung Dong Hwan
Okgwan Cultural Medal (Jade Crown): BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, the late Jeon Yu Seong, Bae Han Sung
Presidential Citation: Kim Mi Kyung, Lee Jung Eun, Lee Min Ho, TVXQ!, SEVENTEEN, Kim Eun Young, BLACKPINK’s Rosé
Prime Minister’s Citation: Choi Hee Seon, Kim Tae Ri, Kim Ji Won, Park Bo Young, Ju Ji Hoon, Park Hae Joon, TWICE, ATEEZ
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Citation: Lee Su Ji, (G)I-DLE, Ji Chang Wook, Choo Young Woo, BEBE, Go Youn Jung, Byeon Woo Seok, RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE, LE SSERAFIM
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