2025 Korea Popular Culture And Arts Awards: Rose, TWICE, G-Dragon, Lee Byung-Hun, More To Receive Medals, Citations - Full List

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2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards will celebrate the remarkable contributions of some of South Korea’s biggest names in entertainment. This year’s honorees include veteran actors, K-pop legends, comedians, and voice artists who have shaped the nation’s rich cultural landscape and elevated the global influence of Korean entertainment.

2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Award recipients announced

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on October 15 that a total of 31 individuals and teams will be recognized at the prestigious award ceremony scheduled for October 22. The awards highlight artists who have played pivotal roles in promoting Korean culture and arts both domestically and worldwide.Among the top honorees, actor Kim Hae-sook, fondly known as the 'nation’s mother' for her touching portrayals in numerous dramas and films, will receive the Silver Crown Cultural Medal. The Bronze Crown Cultural Medal will be presented to actor Lee Byung-hun (Squid Game, No Other Choice fame), whose successful ventures into Hollywood have exemplified K-culture’s global reach, and actor Jeong Dong-hwan, lauded for his dedication to classical literature and philosophical storytelling.The Jade Crown Cultural Medal will honour the late comedian Jeon Yoo-seong, who contributed immensely to regional entertainment and mentoring young comics, voice actor Bae Han-sung, known as the “thousand-voiced artist,” and G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong from BIGBANG), a global music icon recognised for leading the Hallyu Wave and enhancing Korea’s international cultural presence.

Rose, Lee Min-Ho, IVE to get citations

Recipients of the Presidential Citation include acclaimed actors Kim Mi-kyung, Lee Min-ho, and Lee Jung-eun, alongside K-pop acts TVXQ, Rosé, and Seventeen, and voice actor Kim Eun-young. The Prime Minister’s Citation will go to actors Kim Ji-won, Kim Tae-ri, Park Bo-young, Park Hae-joon, and Joo Ji-hoon, as well as popular groups ATEEZ and TWICE, and performer Choi Hee-seon.Finally, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Citation will be awarded to rising stars Ko Yoon-jeong, Byeon Woo-seok, Ji Chang-wook, and Choo Young-woo, along with groups RIIZE, LE SSERAFIM, IVE, and ZEROBASEONE, comedian Lee Su-ji, and choreographer Bebe.