Veteran actress Kim Hae Sook and BIGBANG's G-Dragon were among the honorees at the 2025 Korea Popular Culture & Arts Awards, held on October 23 at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul. The annual ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency, recognizes artists who have made significant contributions to Korean popular culture.
Honoring Legends and Cultural Icons
Kim Hae Sook received the Silver Crown Cultural Medal, expressing gratitude as she said, "Thank you for giving me such an honor despite my shortcomings. I will remember this moment and continue to be a warm and responsible actor."
Actors Lee Byung Hun and Jung Dong Hwan were also awarded the Silver Crown medals. Lee shared, "I started acting simply because I loved films, so this recognition feels humbling. I take it as encouragement to keep helping Korean culture shine globally." Jung added, "The stage is a place of dreams and wonder, where anything can happen. I'm deeply thankful to be invited back to this beloved space."
G-Dragon, Youngest Jade Crown Medalist
The Jade Crown Cultural Medal was awarded to G-Dragon, veteran voice actor Bae Han Sung, and late comedian Jeon Yoo Sung. G-Dragon said, "When I was six, my mother took me to my first audition without knowing what it meant. Since that day, I've been chasing the same dream."
He continued, "In my teens, my dream was to become a singer — and I did. In my twenties, I received my first national commendation. Now in my thirties, I've been honored with this medal. I'm looking forward to my forties." He added, "I'm proud to be a singer and to love what I do. Next year marks BIGBANG's 20th anniversary, and I want to share this honor with my members."
Jeon Yoo Sung, who passed away three days after leaving his final remarks last month, had said, "It's meaningful that seniors receive this award first so younger generations can follow. I'm honored to be part of that lineage."
Celebrating Artists Across Generations
Presidential Commendations went to actors Kim Mi Kyung, Lee Min Ho, and Lee Jung Eun, along with TVXQ, SEVENTEEN, and BLACKPINK's Rosé, and voice actor Kim Eun Young.
Prime Minister's Commendations were awarded to actors Kim Tae Ri, Kim Ji Won, Park Bo Young, Park Hae Joon, Joo Ji Hoon, and groups ATEEZ and TWICE, as well as guitarist Choi Hee Sun.
Minister of Culture Commendations went to actors Go Yoon Jung, Byun Woo Seok, Ji Chang Wook, and Chu Young Woo, alongside groups RIIZE, (G)I-DLE, LE SSERAFIM, ZEROBASEONE, comedian Lee Soo Ji, and dance crew BEBE.
Cultural Medals are divided into five grades — Gold, Silver, Bronze, Jade, and Flower — with no Gold Crown recipients this year.
