“Personal Protection Lifted” Yoo Hae-jin, Silence Amid Controversy → “Overcoming Health Issues” Yoo Jae-suk’s “Honor of the Family” Remarks [Popular Culture and Arts Awards] [Comprehensive Report]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Cultural artists who contributed to the development of popular culture, including broadcaster Yoo Jae-suk, actor Yoo Hae-jin, and the late singer Shin Hae-cheol, were honored with the “2026 Republic of Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards.”

The “2026 Republic of Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards” ceremony was held at 6 p.m. on the 29th at the Haerom Theater of the National Theater in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Now in its 17th year, the “Popular Culture and Arts Awards” covers various fields including actors, singers, comedians, directors, writers, voice actors, and producers. It is the “most authoritative government commendation in the popular culture and arts field,” aimed at elevating the social status of popular culture and arts and encouraging those who have contributed to the development of popular culture and the spread of Hallyu.

This year, 10 individuals (or teams) received the Cultural Merit Medal, 7 individuals (or teams) received the Presidential Commendation, 8 individuals (or teams) received the Prime Minister’s Commendation, and 11 individuals (or teams) received the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation.

The Silver Crown Cultural Merit Medal was posthumously awarded to the late Shin Hae-cheol, who led the popularization of Korean rock music, with his son, Shin Dong-won, accepting it on his behalf. The Bronze Crown Cultural Merit Medal was awarded to performance producer Park Myung-sung, representative of Shinsei Company; voice actor Park Young-nam; jazz musician Shin Gwan-woong; broadcaster Yoo Jae-suk; and singer Han Young-ae. Members of BLACKPINK—Rosé, Lisa, Jennie, and Jisoo—received the Jade Crown Cultural Merit Medal.

The Presidential Commendation was awarded to music director Kang Seung-won, the band Buwal (Revival), the group Super Junior, actors Yoo Hae-jin, Ryu Seung-ryong, So Ji-sub, and film director Jang Hang-jun. The Prime Minister’s Commendation was awarded to broadcaster Bae Mi-hyang, actors Yoo Seung-mok, Kim Go-eun, Oh Jung-se, film director Yoon Ga-eun, singer and musical actor Lee Ja-ram, composer Lee Jae who created the “K-pop Demon Hunters” phenomenon, and the group AKMU.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation was awarded to comedians Kim Shin-young and Kim Won-hoon, choreographer Lee Jeong, actors Im Ji-yeon, Choi Dae-hoon, Park Ji-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, film producer Jang Won-seok, CEO of B.A. Entertainment which produced the “The Outlaws” series, singer Jang Min-ho, and the groups NMIXX and ENHYPEN.

Yoo Jae-suk, who received the Bronze Crown Cultural Merit Medal on this day, expressed his overflowing emotions. Yoo said, “I don’t know how to express my gratitude. I had never thought about or dreamed of such a day, but it is truly an honor,” adding, “I feel that this is not just an honor for our household, but for the entire family.”

He stated, “I debuted in 1991 and am now entering my 36th year. Looking back on my debut, I spent nearly 10 years complaining about how the world didn’t recognize me, rather than acknowledging my own shortcomings,” and continued, “Looking back now, I feel that the world is paying excessive attention to me these days. I am grateful, and again, grateful.”

Yoo Jae-suk also said, “I believe I could stand here today because of my colleagues, seniors and juniors, production staff, and crew who worked hard with me to create entertaining variety programs, as well as the viewers who always support us and make us laugh,” conveying his thanks.

Yoo Jae-suk added, “My role will not change going forward. I will continue to research and strive without ceasing. I don’t know when that day of permission will come, but I will do my best every single day. I sincerely thank all those who gave me this great award once again.”

Separately, Yoo Jae-suk canceled his recording session for the SBS variety program “Tteumman Nayeun” on the 22nd of last month due to severe cold and flu symptoms. As it was a first since his debut, it raised concerns among many people, but he has now recovered his health and is fulfilling his schedule.

Actor Yoo Hae-jin, who received the Presidential Commendation, also shared his acceptance remarks. However, he did not mention the recently controversial film “The Assassin(s).”

Yoo Hae-jin stated, “Thank you. I am truly grateful for this big award. I believe that my ability to receive this award was largely due to the influence of ‘The King’s Warden.’”

He continued, “I think the only way I can repay this is by repaying with works like ‘The King’s Warden’ and other good films. I will strive to do so. Thank you.”

Yoo Hae-jin appeared in the film “The King’s Warden,” released in February last year, which surpassed 16 million viewers. Separately, Yoo also appeared in “The Assassin,” released on September 23 last year. However, after the work was released, some groups protested claiming historical distortion, and far-right groups even held a rally in front of Yoo Hae-jin’s home. In response, Yoo Hae-jin’s side requested personal protection from the police. The police issued a smartwatch to Yoo Hae-jin, registered him in the 112th system, and strengthened patrols around his residence. The police lifted the personal protection measures in mid-October. This ceremony drew attention as it was Yoo Hae-jin’s first public appearance after the lifting of his personal protection.

Shin Dong-won, son of the late Shin Hae-cheol, shared acceptance remarks on behalf of his father, who received the Silver Crown Cultural Merit Medal. Mr. Shin Dong-won said, “Two days ago marked the 12th anniversary since my father left us. I sincerely thank those who have remembered and loved my father’s songs throughout that long time.”

He stated, “I was very young back then and didn’t know anything, but as I grew up, I realized late that each of my father’s songs contained deep meaning,” adding, “Listening to songs containing values that do not change with time, such as love, comfort, and empathy, I now respect the musician Shin Hae-cheol beyond just my father.”

Mr. Shin Dong-won said, “Although (my father) cannot be here with us, if he is watching from heaven that many people still remember his music, I believe he would surely be happy and proud.”

Additionally, Mr. Shin Dong-won conveyed, “I would like to dedicate this meaningful honor to the fans who have continued to love, watch over, and support my father’s music. Thank you.”

Separately, the late Shin Hae-cheol passed away on October 27, 2014. The deceased had undergone surgery for intestinal stenosis before his death, complained of abdominal pain, and died after his condition worsened. The doctor who performed the surgery was indicted on charges of negligent homicide and received a confirmed one-year prison sentence from the Supreme Court in 2018.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original