The late singer Shin Hae-chul, who passed away in 2014, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Order of Cultural Merit alongside entertainer Yoo Jae-suk and the group BLACKPINK.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency announced that they will hold the 17th Korea Pop Culture Awards ceremony at the Haeoreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Seoul.
Marking its 17th year since its inception in 2010, the pop culture awards are the highest government-level accolades in the field, recognizing individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of the pop culture and arts industry.
Following a public contest and expert recommendations starting in April, the Ministry selected a total of 36 recipients, including 10 Order of Cultural Merit medals, 7 Presidential Commendations, 8 Prime Minister Commendations, and 11 Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendations.
The Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit will be awarded to Shin Hae-chul, who debuted with the grand prize at the 1988 University Song Festival and led the popularization of Korean rock music through experimental musical journeys with bands like ‘N.EX.T’.
The Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit will be presented to Park Myung-sung, representative of Shinshi Company who has led major domestic musical productions such as ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Chicago’; voice actor Park Young-nam, who starred in ‘Dooly the Little Dinosaur’ and ‘Crayon Shin-chan’; jazz instrumentalist Shin Kwan-woong; representative broadcaster Yoo Jae-suk; and singer Han Young-ae, celebrating her 50th debut anniversary.
The Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit recipients include all four members of the group BLACKPINK: Rosรฉ, Lisa, Jennie, and Jisoo.
Presidential Commendations were awarded to music director Kang Seung-won, band Boohwal, actors Yoo Hae-jin, Ryu Seung-ryong, and Ji Jin-hee (or So Ji-sub), director Jang Hang-jun, and singer Super Junior. Prime Minister Commendations will go to film director Yoon Ga-eun, pansori singer Lee Ja-ram, composer Lee Jae, actors Kim Go-eun, Oh Jung-se, and Yoo Seung-mok, duo AKMU, and broadcaster Bae Mi-hyang.
Minister’s Commendations were named for comedians Kim Shin-young and Kim Won-hoon, choreographer Lee Jung, actors Lim Ji-yeon, Choi Dae-hoon, Park Ji-hoon, and Yoon Kyung-ho, and singers Jang Min-ho, NMIXX, and ENHYPEN, alongside film producer Jang Won-seok.
