G-Dragon and Byun Woo Seok set to be honored at '2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards'

G-Dragon, leader of the K-pop group Big Bang, will be awarded a Cultural Medal, while actor Byeon Woo Seok will receive a commendation from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

On October 15, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) announced that a total of 31 individuals and teams will be recognized with medals and commendations at the '2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards,' which will be held on October 23 at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul.

Now in its 16th year, the 'Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards' is the nation’s highest honor for professionals in music, acting, comedy, voice acting, writing, and performance. The awards aim to acknowledge outstanding contributions to the development of Korea’s popular culture, while also promoting the social status and creative drive of artists.

This year’s honorees include six recipients of the Cultural Medal, seven Presidential Commendations, eight Prime Minister’s Commendations, and ten Minister of Culture’s Commendations.

Veteran actress Kim Hye Suk, widely regarded as the “Nation’s Mother,” will receive the Silver Crown Cultural Medal for her distinguished career since debuting as an MBC talent in 1975.

The Precious Crown Cultural Medal will be awarded to Lee Byung Hun, recognized for his work in Hollywood and the global expansion of Korean popular culture, and Jung Dong Hwan, honored for his continuous exploration of classical literature and philosophy, which has enriched the cultural industry.

The Jade Crown Cultural Medal will be presented posthumously to comedian Jeon Yu Seong for his dedication to nurturing new talent and developing regional cultural content; to voice actor Bae Han Sung for his contributions to the voice acting industry and mentorship of younger generations; and to G-Dragon, who has significantly contributed to the international recognition and growth of K-pop.