The 16th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards took place on Thursday, October 23 at the National Theater of Korea’s Haeoreum Grand Theater in Seoul. It honored a wide range of artists who have made outstanding contributions to the Hallyu wave and to Korean popular culture.
The prestigious award ceremony was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and overseen by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).
These awards represent the South Korean government’s highest recognition for achievements in the entertainment industry. G-Dragon, Lee Byung Hun, Park Bo Young, Choo Young Woo, SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan and Wonwoo, and more attended the award ceremony.
16th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards Winners
Order of Cultural Merit
The Order of Cultural Merit is the highest honor presented at the ceremony. It is given to individuals who have made a lasting impact on Korean culture and arts.
This year’s recipients included:
- The highest honor of the night went to veteran actress Kim Hae Sook, affectionately known as “Korea’s Mother.” Kim’s career spans over 50 years, her notable works include The Thieves, Hospital Playlist, and Reply 1988.
- Lee Byung Hun (Squid Game, G.I. Joe, No Other Choice) and Jeong Dong Hwan (12.12: The Day, The Auditors)both received the Bogwan (Precious Crown) for their contributions as veteran actors.
- Music legend and BIGBANG leader G-Dragon (Kwon Jiyong) made history as the youngest-ever recipient of the Okgwan (Jade Crown).
- Bae Han Seong and the late comedian Jeon Yoo Seong were also recognized with the Okgwan Order for their cultural impact. Bae was recognized for decades of voice work, including dubbing for The Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean. The late comedian Jeon Yoo Seong was posthumously recognized for his gentle humor. His daughter, Jeon Je Bi accepted the medal.
Commendation Recipients
In addition to the Orders of Merit, the ceremony presented commendations from the President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. These commendations were given to actors, singers, comedians, and other artists.
Presidential Commendation
Those honored with presidential commendation included
- Kim Mi Kyung
- Lee Min Ho
- Lee Jung Eun
- Rosé of BLACKPINK
- TVXQ
- SEVENTEEN
- Kim Eun Young (veteran voice actor)
Rosé made history by joining BoA as the only female solo K-pop artist to be awarded with this honor. Since active SEVENTEEN members are occupied with their ongoing tour, Jeonghan and Wonwoo made a rare public appearance to receive the award on the group’s behalf. These two SEVENTEEN members are currently serving as public service workers.
Prime Minister’s Commendation
The Prime Minister’s Commendation went to a stellar lineup of talents
- Kim Ji Won
- Kim Tae Ri
- Park Bo Young
- Ju Ji Hoon
- Park Hae Joon
- ATEEZ
- TWICE
- Choi Hee Sun
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation
The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation was presented to
- Go Yoon Jung
- Byeon Woo Seok
- Ji Chang Wook
- Choo Young Woo
- RIIZE
- LE SSERAFIM
- i-dle
- ZEROBASEONE
- Lee Suji
- BEBE
16th Korea Popular and Arts Awards Ceremony Highlights
Hosted by actor Kim Min Kyu and announcer Park Sun Young, the night was filled with emotional moments and heartfelt speeches. One of the most touching moments came when the late comedian Jeon Yoo Seong was posthumously awarded the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit. His daughter, Jeon Je Bi, accepted the award, saying she would “remember this not as my father’s last achievement but as a new memory.”
G-Dragon’s speech was equally emotional as he reflected on his journey. He shared how he went from being a six-year-old auditioning with his mother to becoming one of the country’s most celebrated cultural figures. G-Dragon expressed, “From that moment to standing here today, I feel grateful and excited for what my forties might bring.”
Meanwhile, Lee Byung Hun, who received the Bogwan Order, expressed his gratitude and pride. He spoke about feeling “immense pride” this year. Lee talked about witnessing firsthand the influence of Korean culture through his international projects (Squid Game).
Congratulations to the 16th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards winners!