Six prominent figures in Korean entertainment have been selected to receive the Order of Cultural Merit, South Korea's highest honor recognizing outstanding contributions to popular culture and the arts. The distinguished recipients include veteran actors Kim Hae-sook, Jung Dong-hwan, and Lee Byung-hun, acclaimed voice actor Bae Han-seong, the late comedian Jeon Yoo-sung, and K-pop superstar G-Dragon.
The Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, represents the most prestigious government ceremony celebrating achievements across drama, film, music, comedy, choreography, and voice acting. This year's ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 23, highlighting individuals who have significantly defined and expanded Korea's cultural influence both domestically and internationally.
The Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit, known as Eumgwan in Korean, will be awarded to veteran actress Kim Hae-sook, who is affectionately known as "the nation's mother." Kim made her debut in 1975 through an MBC talent program and has since appeared in numerous hit television dramas and films throughout her five-decade career, establishing herself as one of Korea's most beloved actresses.
Two recipients will receive the Precious Crown Order, or Bogwan. Actor Lee Byung-hun will be honored for his acclaimed performances across both Korean and Hollywood productions, which have demonstrated the global potential of Korean cinema. Actor Jung Dong-hwan will also receive this honor in recognition of his creative reinterpretations of classic literature and philosophy on stage.
The Jade Crown Order, called Okgwan, will be presented to three distinguished individuals. Legendary voice actor Bae Han-seong, who has shaped the Korean dubbing industry since his debut in 1966, will receive this honor. The late comedian Jeon Yoo-sung, recognized as a pioneer in Korean television comedy and a mentor to younger entertainers, will be honored posthumously. K-pop icon G-Dragon will also receive the Jade Crown Order for his role as a leading artist credited with expanding the value of Korea's pop culture worldwide.
This year's awards ceremony carries the meaningful message of "a festival that shines both on and behind the stage." A Culture Ministry official explained in a press statement on Wednesday, "By celebrating the achievements of K-content while sharing the hard work and dedication of the production teams with the public, we hope to continue creating stages where both artists and crews can shine together."
Beyond the Cultural Merit recipients, the government will also present Presidential, Prime Minister, and Ministerial commendations to a wide range of cultural figures. Presidential commendations will be awarded to several K-pop acts including TVXQ, Seventeen, and Rosé of Blackpink, among others, for their remarkable global achievements in K-pop. Prime Minister commendations will go to popular groups Ateez and Twice, recognizing their significant contributions to Korean popular culture. Additionally, newer-generation groups including Riize, Le Sserafim, (G)I-dle, and Zerobaseone will receive Minister of Culture commendations, acknowledging the rising stars who continue to elevate Korea's cultural presence on the world stage.
