G-Dragon, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Min-ho honoured at Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards
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G-Dragon was awarded the Jade Crown Order at the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards on Oct 23.
PHOTO: XXXIBGDRGN/INSTAGRAM
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SEOUL – K-pop star G-Dragon, honoured with an Order of Cultural Merit on Oct 23 for his contributions to the global expansion of South Korean entertainment, reflected on how his childhood dream of becoming a singer blossomed into his lifelong career.
The Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, organised by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is the country’s highest government recognition for achievements spanning the entertainment landscape – including film, music, voice acting and comedy.
G-Dragon, who was awarded the Jade Crown Order, reminisced on his pursuit of music as he accepted the honour.
“The first place I remember going, holding tightly onto my mother’s hand, was an audition hall when I was around six years old. Since that day, I’ve been dreaming the same dream ever since,” the 37-year-old said.
“In my teens, I dreamt of becoming a singer – and that dream came true. In my 20s, I received a commendation, and in my 30s, I was even awarded the Jade Crown Order. So I have high hopes for my 40s,” he quipped.
The leader of K-pop boy band BigBang, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, added: “There are so many senior artistes who made me dream. They were shining stars to me every single day. I grew up listening to their songs, and now I’ve become one of those stars myself... Every day feels like a dream come true.”
The ceremony, held at the National Theatre of Korea in Seoul, saw the Culture Ministry bestow honours on 31 individuals and teams. Recipients were selected based on years of contribution, professional achievements, recognition and social reputation.
The event opened with a dynamic performance by dance crew Bebe, with routines set to tracks including Golden from the Netflix hit film KPop Demon Hunters (2025) and G-Dragon’s song Too Bad (2025).
The honours for 2025 included the Order of Cultural Merit, the Presidential Commendation, the Prime Minister’s Commendation and the Minister of Culture’s Commendation.
The Order of Cultural Merit – South Korea’s highest distinction for contributions to the arts – was divided into three tiers in 2025: the Silver Crown, Precious Crown (Bogwan) and Jade Crown (Okgwan).
The Silver Crown Order was awarded to veteran actess Kim Hae-sook, celebrated for her memorable performances in landmark works such as the films Thirst (2009) and The Handmaiden (2016).
The 69-year-old has become a beloved figure across both film and television, often portraying the quintessential Korean mother alongside A-list co-stars.
The Precious Crown Order went to actors Lee Byung-hun, who recently starred in Netflix series Squid Game (2021 to 2025) and the black comedy No Other Choice (2025); and Jung Dong-hwan, known for his roles in TV series The Fiery Priest (2019) and historical film 12:12: The Day (2023).
Lee, 55, reflected on a milestone year filled with globally resonant projects after receiving his award.
“This year has been a truly special one for me, from Squid Game and KPop Demon Hunters to No Other Choice, which is currently being screened at international film festivals,” he said.
“Meeting audiences and fans overseas – not only K-pop and K-drama fans but people who deeply appreciate Korean culture – I could really feel first-hand how incredible the global influence of K-culture has become. As a Korean and as someone working in Korean popular arts, it’s been a year of immense pride,” he added.
In addition to G-Dragon, the Jade Crown Order was also awarded to veteran voice actor Bae Han-seong and the late comedian Jeon Yoo-sung.
Presidential Commendations were presented to actors Kim Mi-kyung, Lee Min-ho and Lee Jung-eun, Rose of K-pop girl group Blackpink, voice actor Kim Eun-young, K-pop duo TVXQ and boy band Seventeen.
Prime Minister’s Commendations went to actors Kim Tae-ri, Kim Ji-won, Park Bo-young, Park Hae-joon and Ju Ji-hoon, K-pop groups Ateez and Twice, and musician Choi Hee-sun.
The Minister of Culture’s Commendations were awarded to actors Go Youn-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Ji Chang-wook and Choo Young-woo, K-pop groups Riize, I-dle, Le Sserafim and Zerobaseone, as well as comedian Lee Soo-ji and dance group Bebe. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
