Late singer Korea Pop Culture Awards recipient Shin Hae-chul, who passed away in 2014, will be honored with a cultural medal alongside broadcaster Yoo Jae-suk and singers Han Young-ae and BLACKPINK.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency announced that a total of 36 individuals and teams will receive cultural honors and government commendations at the ‘2026 Korea Pop Culture and Arts Awards’ ceremony held at the National Theater of Korea in Jung-gu, Seoul.
This year’s awardees consist of 10 cultural medal recipients, 7 presidential commendations, 8 prime ministerial commendations, and 11 ministerial commendations.
Marking its 17th anniversary this year, the Korea Pop Culture and Arts Awards is a government recognition honoring artists across various fieldsโincluding singers, actors, comedians, voice actors, broadcasting writers, and instrumentalistsโwho have contributed to the development of the pop culture and arts industry.
Silver and Bogwan Cultural Medals
The Silver Crown Cultural Medal goes to the late Shin Hae-chul, who led the popularization of Korean rock music. Shin first made his name by winning the grand prize at the 1988 University Song Festival with the band Muhangwedo, and later showcased experimental music leading bands like N.EX.T. He passed away in 2014.
Bogwan Cultural Medal recipients include five individuals such as Yoo Jae-suk and Han Young-ae. Yoo Jae-suk, who has anchored the broadcasting industry for over 30 years, and Han Young-ae, celebrating her 50th debut anniversary, made the list. Musical producer Park Myung-sung, who introduced works like ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Chicago’ to Korea, was also selected.
Voice actor Park Young-nam, who voiced characters in animations like ‘Dooly the Little Dinosaur’ and ‘Crayon Shin-chan’, and instrumentalist Shin Kwan-woong, a living legend of Korean jazz, will also receive Bogwan Cultural Medals.
Okwan Cultural Medal and Commendations
The Okwan Cultural Medal will be awarded to all four members of BLACKPINK: Rosรฉ, Lisa, Jennie, and Jisoo.
Presidential commendations will be given to music director Kang Seung-won, the band Boohwal, and the group Super Junior. Film directors Jang Hang-jun and actors Yoo Hae-shin, Ryu Seung-ryong, and So Ji-sub are also included in the list of winners.
Prime ministerial commendations go to eight individuals and teams, including broadcaster Bae Mi-hyang, film director Yoon Ga-eun, pansori singer Lee Ja-ram, composer Lee Jae, and actors Yoo Seung-mok, Kim Go-eun, Oh Jung-se, and AKMU.
Ministerial commendations were awarded to comedians Kim Shin-young and Kim Won-hoon, and choreographer Rijeong. Actors Lim Ji-yeon, Choi Dae-hoon, Park Ji-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, and film producer Jang Won-seok were also named, alongside singer Jang Min-ho and groups NMIXX and Enhypen.
The awards ceremony at the National Theater will feature congratulatory performances by crossover group La Poem and Bogwan Cultural Medal recipient Han Young-ae.
Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young stated that this year’s winners have dedicated themselves to bridging culture with the public across stages, broadcasting, and film, and pledged continued support for artists to maintain pride in their creative endeavors.
