The 16th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Award honored late comedian Jeon Yoo-seong; K-pop artists G-Dragon, Blackpink's Rosé and Seventeen; and actor Lee Byung-hun, among others, at a ceremony held on Thursday at the National Theater’s Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul.

“I’m truly grateful and honored to receive such a great recognition,” said veteran actor Kim Hae-sook after receiving her Eungwan, or silver crown, Order of Cultural Merit, the highest accolade awarded this year. She recently appeared in the Disney+ series “Tempest.”


“I will always remember this moment and continue to grow as a warmer and more responsible actor to the audience.”

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency, the ceremony rewards artists from various fields — music, comedy, film and more — who have contributed to the development of Korea’s culture and arts.

Actor Kim Min-kyu and announcer Park Sun-young hosted the event.

Alongside Kim Hae-sook, five individuals were honored with an Order of Cultural Merit. The Bogwan, or precious crown, Order of Cultural Merit went to actor Lee Byung-hun and actor Chung Dong-hwan. The Okgwan, or jeweled crown, Order of Cultural Merit was awarded to late comedian Jeon, rapper G-Dragon and voice actor Bae Han-seong.

Comedian Jeon died on Sept. 25 at the age of 76.

“I’ll remember this not as my father’s last achievement but as a new memory,” said Jeon Je-bi, the late comedian’s daughter, who received the honor on his behalf.

Actor Chung also commemorated the late comedian, recalling his memories with his friend.

“My heart aches that my dear friend, a comedian I once performed in plays with a long time ago, isn’t here with us today,” Chung said. “In fact, we stood on stage together on this very day, Oct. 23, in 1965. But he left a little earlier than I did, and now I’m still here, receiving this award.”

G-Dragon also expressed gratitude after receiving the merit, saying, “I remember I was about six years old, holding my mom’s hand, not really knowing what was going on, when I first went to an audition. Since that day, I’ve been chasing the same dream. In my teens, I dreamed of becoming a singer and made that dream come true. In my 20s, I received [the Prime Minister’s] Commendation. And now, in my 30s, I’ve received the Order of Cultural Merit. So I can’t help but look forward to what my 40s will bring.”

The Presidential Commendation, Prime Minister’s Commendation and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation were also presented to recipients.

Actors Kim Me-kyoung, Lee Min-ho and Lee Jung-eun; K-pop artists TVXQ, Rosé and Seventeen; and voice actor Kim Eun-yeong received the Presidential Commendation. Actors Kim Ji-won, Kim Tae-ri, Park Bo-young, Park Hae-joon and Ju Ji-hoon; K-pop groups Ateez and Twice; and guitarist Choi Hee-sun were given the Prime Minister's Commendation.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation was presented to recipients including actors Go Youn-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Ji Chang-wook and Choo Young-woo; K-pop groups Riize, Le Ssesarfim, i-dle and ZeroBaseOne; comedian Lee Su-ji; and dance crew Bebe.

Special performances were also showcased during the ceremony by Bebe and musical actor Kai.

Before the ceremony, a red carpet event showcased numerous artists — including G-Dragon and Seventeen's Wonwoo and Jeonghan — as well as Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young.

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]