The 2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards celebrated the brightest names in Korean entertainment this week. The ceremony, held on October 23 at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul, honored 31 individuals and teams for their significant contributions to film, music, and television. The event highlighted both legendary artists and the newest generation shaping the global Korean wave.
Top Honors for Cultural Impact
The highest awards of the night were the Orders of Cultural Merit, presented in three tiers. These honors recognized exceptional contributions to Korean popular culture and its spread worldwide.
Veteran actress Kim Hae-sook, often called the “nation’s mother” for her roles in numerous dramas and films, received the Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit. Having debuted in 1975, her career spans five decades, making her one of Korea’s most respected acting figures.
The Precious Crown Order was awarded to actors Lee Byung-hun and Jung Dong-hwan. Lee was recognized for his work in both Korean and Hollywood productions, while Jung was honored for his creative interpretations of classic literature and philosophy on stage.
Accepting his award, Lee Byung-hun shared his thoughts on the global rise of Korean culture.
“Meeting audiences and fans overseas โ not only K-pop and K-drama fans but people who deeply appreciate Korean culture โ I could really feel first-hand how incredible the global influence of ‘K’ culture has become,” he said.
G-Dragon Makes History as Youngest Honoree
K-pop icon G-Dragon received the Jade Crown Order of Cultural Merit, making him the youngest-ever recipient of this prestigious award. He was honored alongside veteran voice actor Bae Han-seong and the late comedian Jeon Yoo-sung.
The Bigbang member appeared moved as he accepted the award, reflecting on his journey from childhood dreams to his current success.
“The first place I remember going, holding tightly onto my mother’s hand, was an audition hall when I was around six years old. Since that day, I’ve been dreaming the same dream ever since,” G-Dragon recalled.
“In my teens, I dreamed of becoming a singer โ and that dream came true. In my twenties, I received a commendation, and in my thirties, I was even awarded the Jade Crown Order. So I have high hopes for my forties,” he added, drawing laughter from the audience.
Widespread Recognition Across Generations
Beyond the Cultural Merit orders, the ceremony presented several commendations to artists who have significantly impacted Korean culture domestically and internationally.
Presidential Commendations were awarded to actors Kim Mi-kyung, Lee Min-ho, and Lee Jung-eun, along with K-pop groups TVXQ, Rose of Blackpink, and Seventeen.
Prime Minister’s Commendations went to actors Kim Tae-ri, Kim Ji-won, Park Bo-young, Park Hae-joon, and Ju Ji-hoon, as well as K-pop groups Ateez and Twice.
The Minister of Culture’s Commendations recognized the rising stars who represent the future of Korean entertainment. Recipients included actors Go Youn-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Ji Chang-wook, and Choo Young-woo, along with K-pop groups Riize, I-dle, Le Sserafim, and Zerobaseone.
A Tribute to a Comedy Legend
The ceremony included a poignant moment honoring the late comedian Jeon Yoo-sung, who passed away recently. He was posthumously awarded the Jade Crown Order for his pioneering work in Korean television comedy and his mentorship of younger entertainers.
A pre-recorded message from Jeon was played during the ceremony, where he shared his characteristically humble and humorous thoughts.
“Our senior comedians received many awards before. I thought that if comedians receive awards well, our juniors would also receive many. I’m honored to be part of that process,” he said in the recording.
His daughter, Jeon Jae-bi, accepted the award on his behalf, stating, “I will consider this not as my father’s final achievement, but as a new memory. Thank you.”
The 2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards was hosted by actor Kim Min Kyu and announcer Park Sun Young, with a performance by dance crew Bebe that included a routine set to G-Dragon’s song “Too Bad.”
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