The late comedian Jeon Yu-seong will be posthumously awarded a Cultural Medal at the 2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, recognizing his lifelong contributions to Korean entertainment.
On October 15, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency announced the list of recipients for this year's awards, which celebrate individuals and groups who have significantly advanced Korea's popular culture and arts industry. Established in 2010, the awards are the nation's highest government honor in the field.
Honoring Legends of Korean Culture
This year, six individuals will receive Cultural Medals. Veteran actress Kim Hae-sook will be presented with the Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit for her extensive career spanning both film and television since her 1975 debut with MBC's 7th open talent class.
The Treasure Medal (Bo-gwan) will go to Lee Byung-hun and Jung Dong-hwan. Lee is recognized for expanding the global reach of Korean entertainment through his acclaimed performances, while Jung has played a foundational role in shaping the domestic television and film industry.
Jeon Yu-seong will receive the Jade Crown Order of Cultural Merit (Ok-gwan) posthumously, alongside G-Dragon and veteran voice actor Bae Han-sung, for their respective contributions to comedy, popular music, and voice acting.
Presidential and Prime Minister's Commendations
The Presidential Commendation will be awarded to actors Kim Mi-kyung, Lee Min-ho, and Lee Jung-eun, as well as TVXQ, BLACKPINK's Rosé, SEVENTEEN, and voice actor Kim Eun-young.
The Prime Minister's Commendation will go to Kim Ji-won, Kim Tae-ri, Park Bo-young, Park Hae-jun, Joo Ji-hoon, along with ATEEZ, TWICE, and guitarist Choi Hee-sun.
Recipients of the Minister of Culture's Commendation include Go Yoon-jung, Byun Woo-seok, Ji Chang-wook, Chu Young-woo, RIIZE, LE SSERAFIM, (G)I-DLE, ZEROBASEONE, comedian Lee Su-ji, and choreographer BEBE.
Ceremony Details
The 2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards ceremony will take place on October 23 at the National Theater of Korea in Jung-gu, Seoul.
(Cultural context: The Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards are among the nation's most prestigious honors, recognizing artists who have elevated Korean culture both domestically and abroad. This year's lineup — spanning comedy, film, K-pop, and performance art — reflects the broad global influence of Korean entertainment.)
