BLACKPINK, Yoo Jae Suk and Yoo Hae Jin are expected to receive honors at the 2026 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards.
According to a report by TenAsia on October 27th, BLACKPINK is among the leading candidates for this year’s awards, although the specific honor has yet to be confirmed. The group is expected to receive an award collectively, with each member reportedly planning to submit a separate acceptance speech video. Their individual schedules make it difficult for them to attend the ceremony or even gather in one place.
Yoo Jae Suk has reportedly been selected to receive the Order of Cultural Merit, the highest honor presented at the awards. The decision was approved at a Cabinet meeting on October 27th following authorization from President Lee Jae Myung, though the medal’s grade remains undisclosed.
Previous comedian-turned-TV personalities to receive the honor include Lee Kyung Kyu in 2017 and Lim Ha Ryong in 2020, both awarded the third-class Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit. The late Jeon Yoo Sung was posthumously awarded the fourth-class Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit last year.
Yoo Hae Jin is also reportedly in line for a government commendation, most likely a Presidential Commendation, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding his film The Assassin(s).
The film centers on the 1974 assassination of South Korean First Lady Yuk Young Soo. It sparked allegations of historical distortion over scenes suggesting that the Korean Central Intelligence Agency and other parties may have been involved in the incident.
The controversy escalated when conservative groups held a protest outside a house believed to be Yoo’s residence on October 4th, demanding that the film be withdrawn from theaters and that the actor issue a public apology.
Following threatening online posts, police provided Yoo with a personal safety smartwatch and increased patrols around his home at his agency’s request. The protective measures were later lifted at the actor’s request.
The Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards recognize individuals and groups who have contributed to the development of South Korea’s entertainment industry and the global spread of Korean culture. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency, the awards honor achievements across music, acting, comedy, voice acting, writing and production.
Honors are divided into four categories: the Order of Cultural Merit, Presidential Commendations, Prime Minister’s Commendations and Ministerial Commendations.
The 17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards will take place on October 29th at the Haeoreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea in Seoul.
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