South Korea has recognized 17 distinguished cultural figures with Orders of Cultural Merit, the nation's highest honor for artistic achievement. Leading the recipients is acclaimed novelist Hwang Sok-yong, 81, who received the prestigious Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit for his extraordinary contributions to Korean literature and its international recognition.
The awards were distributed across five different grades this year, with one Geumgwan recipient, four Eungwan honorees, five Bogwan medalists, four Okgwan recipients, and three Hwagan awardees. The Order of Cultural Merit represents the country's most distinguished state recognition for arts and culture, celebrating individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Korean cultural development and enriched the nation's cultural heritage.
Hwang Sok-yong stands as one of Korea's most influential literary voices, having shaped the landscape of Korean literature for over five decades. His works are celebrated for their profound exploration of contemporary social issues and their power to inspire healing and reflection within society. Through masterpiece novels including "Jang Gil-san," "Princess Bari," and "The Road to Sampo," Hwang has masterfully depicted the lives of ordinary people while employing field-based research and a realist approach that reinforces literature's social significance.
The renowned author has also pioneered efforts to bring Korean literature to international audiences. His novel "Mater 2-10," published in English as "Three Generations of Railway Workers," earned a coveted spot on the 2024 International Booker Prize shortlist. His literary impact extends globally, with his works translated into 22 languages and published in 65 overseas editions.
Four distinguished cultural leaders received the second-highest honor, the Eungwan medal. Kim Hwa-young, professor emeritus at Korea University, was recognized for over 50 years of literary translation work and significant contributions to cultural exchange between Korea and France, including her translations of Albert Camus's complete works. Theater director Han Tae-sook received recognition for establishing a distinctive identity for Korean theater through groundbreaking productions. Artist Yoo Hee-young was honored for advancing Korean abstract art, while architect Joh Sung-yong earned recognition for shaping the country's modern architectural landscape through notable designs including Seonyudo Park and the Lee Ungno Museum.
Five recipients were awarded the Bogwan medal for outstanding achievements across literature, music, visual arts, and landscape architecture. The honorees include literary scholar Kwon Young-min, composer La In-yong, cellist Yang Sung-won, visual artist Lee Kang-so, and landscape designer Jung Young-sun, who has played a leading role in shaping public urban spaces such as Gwanghwamun Square.
The Okgwan medal was presented to four notable figures representing diverse artistic fields. Cartoonist Kim Hyung-bae, creator of the iconic "Robot Taekwon V," received recognition alongside traditional musician Choi Kyung-man, theater director Kim Ara, and ceramic artist Shin Sang-ho for their respective contributions to Korean culture.
Three individuals received the Hwagan medal for their cultural contributions: animation producer Choi Shin-kyu, children's song advocate Yoon Seok-gu, and former Korea National University of Arts professor Hur Young-il, who was recognized for his contributions to dance education and cultural exchange.
The Korea Culture and Arts Award was presented to five recipients, including novelist Eun Hee-kyung, composer Choe Uzong, theater director Lim Do-wan, the Paper Culture Foundation, and the late photographer Park Young-sook. These winners receive a presidential citation and 10 million won in prize money as part of their recognition.
Eight emerging talents were selected for the Young Artist Awards, highlighting the next generation of Korean cultural leaders. The recipients include novelist Sung Hae-na, composer Lee Hanuri, National Changgeuk Company performer Kim Jun-su, and playwright Park Chun-hue, who co-created the Tony Award-winning musical "Maybe Happy Ending."
In a unique recognition of family support, three parents received awards for their roles in nurturing their children's artistic careers. The honored parents include the mothers of drummer Lee Tae-yang, singer Song Ga-in, and contemporary artist Kim Hyun-woo, also known as Pixel Kim, acknowledging the crucial support system behind artistic success.
