[Official] Government Awards… BLACKPINK, Yoo Jae-suk and the late Shin Hae-chul to receive Cultural Medals at Popular Culture and Arts Awards

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The group BLACKPINK will receive a "Cultural Medal" at the "2026 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards," alongside the late singer Shin Hae-chul and "National MC" Yoo Jae-suk.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (hereinafter referred to as the Ministry) and the Korea Creative Content Agency will hold the "2026 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards" ceremony on the 29th at the National Theater in Jung-gu, Seoul, presenting cultural medals and commendations to a total of 36 individuals (teams).

The "Popular Culture and Arts Awards" is the highest-ranking government award in the field of popular culture and arts, established to enhance the social standing and creative enthusiasm of popular culture artists such as singers, actors, comedians, voice actors, broadcast writers, and performers, and to honor their contributions to the development of the popular culture and arts industry. This marks its 17th edition this year.

The Ministry identified candidates from April this year through public nominations and expert recommendations, then reviewed merit periods, domestic and international activity records, industrial contribution, and social contribution to select a total of 36 individuals (teams) as recipients: 10 for the Cultural Medal, 7 individuals (teams) for the Presidential Commendation, 8 individuals (teams) for the Prime Minister's Commendation, and 11 individuals (teams) for the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation.

The Silver Star Order of Cultural Merit will be awarded to singer Shin Hae-chul, who passed away in 2014. During his lifetime, the late artist won the grand prize at the 1988 University Song Festival with the band Muhan Gwido (Infinite Track) and subsequently led the popularization of Korean rock music by expanding an experimental musical world through bands such as "Next" (N.EX.T).

Recipients of the Bronze Star Order of Cultural Merit include comedian Yoo Jae-suk, who has been active as a broadcaster for over 30 years; singer Han Young-ae, celebrating her 50th anniversary since debut; performance producer Park Myung-seong, who brought "Mamma Mia!" and "Chicago" to the domestic stage; voice actor Park Yeong-nam, known for "Dooly" and "Crayon Shin-chan"; and performer Shin Gwan-woong, a living legend of Korean jazz music.

The world idol group BLACKPINK's full four-member lineup—Rosé, Lisa, Jennie, and Jisoo—will receive the Gold Star Order of Cultural Merit.

Recipients of the Presidential Commendation include music director Kang Seung-won, the band Bu-hwal (Revival), the group Super Junior, director Jang Hang-jun of the 10th-million-viewer film "The King's Warden," and actors Yoo Hae-jin, Ryu Seung-ryong, and So Ji-sub.

Recipients of the Prime Minister's Commendation include broadcaster Bae Mi-hyang, film director Yoon Ga-eun, singer Lee Ja-ram, Lee Jae, the vocalist and composer for the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" OST, actors Yoo Seung-mok, Kim Go-eun, and Oh Jung-se, and the sibling duo AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun.

Comedians Kim Shin-young and Kim Won-hoon, choreographer Lee Jeong, actors Im Ji-yeon, Choi Dae-hoon, Park Ji-hoon, and Yoon Kyung-ho, film producer Jang Won-seok, singer Jang Min-ho, and the groups NMIXX and ENHYPEN will receive the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation.

At the ceremony that day, crossover group La:POEM and Cultural Medal recipient singer Han Young-ae will perform celebratory shows.

Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "This year's recipients are those who have spent a long time with the public in their respective positions on stage, in broadcasting, and in film, leading the development of our popular culture and arts." She added, "We will spare no effort to support popular culture artists so that they can continue their creative activities with pride, and we will consistently strive to remember and honor the footprints and contributions they have left behind."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original