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The Korea Popular Culture & Arts Awards is South Korea’s top government honors for pop culture.
They celebrate artists and creators who meaningfully grow K-Content in Korea and around the world.
The ceremony is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and organized by KOCCA, with top distinctions like the Order of Cultural Merit plus commendations from the President, Prime Minister, and Culture Minister.
2025 Highlight: G-DRAGON’s Historic Cultural Merit
@gdragonsgirl_G-Dragon received the Ok-gwan Order of Cultural Merit in recognition of his contribution to spreading the Korean Wave globally at the ‘2025 Republic of Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards’🥹❤️ I’m so proud of Jiyong😭 After everything he’s been through, seeing him receive the Ok-gwan Order of Cultural Merit feels so WELL DESERVED💯He worked so hard and never stopped creating art that touches hearts. You truly deserve all the love and recognition in the world. Congratulations king!!!👑❤️ #proud #fyp #kwonjiyong #gdragon #viral
At the 16th ceremony on October 23, 2025, G-DRAGON received the Okgwan (4th-class) Order of Cultural Merit, becoming the youngest artist to earn this honor.
The same class of award also went to veteran voice actor Bae HanSung and the late comedian Jeon YooSung.
The night’s highest decoration, the Eungwan (2nd-class) Cultural Merit, was awarded to actress Kim HaeSook.
Together, these awards recognize long careers with significant impact—work that expands Hallyu’s reach and reputation worldwide.
SEVENTEEN’s Recognition—Then and Now
@kdramafactsomg wonwoo and jeonghan?? #jeonghan #wonwoo #seventeencarat #koreapopularcultureandartsawards #kpopfunnymoment
In 2025, SEVENTEEN received a Presidential Commendation, a nod to the group’s lasting cultural influence and global footprint. They previously earned a Prime Minister’s Commendation in 2020. Seen together, these milestones show how the awards track an artist’s growth over time—not just one viral era.
Why These Awards Matter
These state honors do more than hand out trophies.
They officially recognize pop culture as a strategic national asset—raising artists’ social status, motivating creators behind the scenes, and signaling to the world that K-content powers Korea’s soft influence and creative economy. The Order of Cultural Merit is especially meaningful: it’s a presidential order with five grades—Geumgwan (1st), Eungwan (2nd), Bogwan (3rd), Okgwan (4th), Hwagwan (5th)—bestowed for “outstanding meritorious services” to culture and the arts.
How Winners Are Chosen (Selection Criteria)
@mikhkob_7Expensive frame❤️🔥!! #leeminho #jichangwook #leebyunghun #themanipulated #koreanpopularcultureandartsawards
Each year, MCST and KOCCA open public nominations (usually in spring). A panel of experts then evaluates candidates based on:
Years of activity and sustained achievement
Quality and scale of their creative record (music, film, broadcast, performance)
Social contribution and impact at home and abroad (spreading Hallyu, industry leadership)
This process ensures the awards recognize enduring influence and public value, not just short-term buzz.
Past High-Profile Precedent
@wlovebtsbts is the only group whom president of sk honoured them with cultural merits awards. oh bts you will always be famous and successful #bts #bangtan #viral #fyp #army #bts_official_bighit #btsarmy #fypシ #foryoupage
♬ MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix) – Full Length Edition – BTS
In 2018, BTS became the youngest recipients of the Hwagwan (5th-class) Order of Cultural Merit—a landmark moment that helped set today’s standard for global impact and cultural diplomacy through pop music. Their recognition is often cited as a turning point in how contemporary idols are considered for state honors.
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