The 2025 Korea Popular Culture And Arts Awards have revealed their winners in a star-studded ceremony held on October 23 at the Haeoreum Grand Theater in Seoul. The ceremony honours individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the development of Korean popular culture and arts.
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Main Event Details
The annual Korea Popular Culture And Arts Awards are government-backed honours recognising the work of artists across music, film, acting, comedy, and other cultural fields. This year’s awards evening took place at the Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung-gu, Seoul, on October 23, 2025. The event was hosted by actor Kim Min Kyu and announcer Park Sun Young.
Key Winners and Highlights
🎬 At the top of the honours list, veteran actress Kim Hae-Sook was awarded the Eungwan (Silver Crown) Order of Cultural Merit, marking her decades‐long contribution to film and television.
🎵 In a historic moment, K-pop icon G-Dragon became the youngest ever recipient of the Okgwan (Jewel Crown) Order of Cultural Merit, sharing that rank with voice actor Bae Han-Sung and the late comedian Jeon Yoo-Sung.
🎭 Other major honours included:
- Bogwan (Precious Crown) Order of Cultural Merit: Actors Lee Byung-Hun and Jung Dong-Hwan.
- Presidential Commendation: Kim Mi Kyung, Lee Min Ho, Lee Jung Eun, TVXQ, SEVENTEEN, Rosé (of BLACKPINK), and voice actor Kim Eun Young.
- Prime Minister’s Commendation: Kim Tae-Ri, Kim Ji-Won, Park Bo-Young, Park Hae Joon, Ju Ji-Hoon, ATEEZ, TWICE and guitarist Choi Hee-Sun.
- Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Commendation: Go Youn-Jung, Byeon Woo-Seok, Ji Chang-Wook, Choo Young-Woo, groups RIIZE, (G)I-dle, LE SSERAFIM, ZEROBASEONE, comedian Lee Soo-Ji and dance crew BEBE.
Why It Matters
These awards highlight not just popular success, but meaningful cultural impact. The Korea Popular Culture And Arts Awards (now in its 16th year) commend creators whose works have helped elevate Korea’s cultural presence globally.
G-Dragon’s historic win as the youngest Okgwan laureate underscores the growing recognition of pop idols as influential cultural contributors. Meanwhile, the inclusion of actors, voice actors, comedians and dance crews reflects the breadth of “popular culture” as defined by the awards.
What’s Next
Winners will now carry this recognition into their future projects, with renewed visibility at home and abroad. The spotlight on groups such as SEVENTEEN, TWICE, RIIZE, and rising actors like Byeon Woo-Seok suggests further momentum into global stages. The Ministry is likely to keep expanding the awards’ categories and criteria to keep pace with evolving media and entertainment landscapes.
Final Thoughts
This year’s Korea Popular Culture And Arts Awards honour a remarkable range of talent—from veteran actors and comedians to pop-culture trailblazers and emerging stars. The event signals a vibrant future for Korean cultural exports and celebrates the people behind them.
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