The late singer Shin Hae-chul will receive a Order of Cultural Merit alongside Yoo Jae-seok, Han Young-ae, BLACKPINK, and others.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency announced that they will confer Orders of Cultural Merit and commendations to a total of 36 individuals and teams, including them, at the "2026 Republic of Korea Pop Culture and Arts Awards" ceremony held today at the National Theater of Korea.

Marking its 17th anniversary this year, the Pop Culture and Arts Awards is the government's highest-level honor established to recognize popular culture and arts figures—including singers, actors, comedians, voice actors, broadcast writers, and musicians—for elevating their social standing, encouraging creative motivation, and contributing to the development of the popular culture and arts industry.

This year, the honors comprise 10 Orders of Cultural Merit, 7 Presidential Commendations (individuals/teams), 8 Prime Minister's Commendations (individuals/teams), and 11 Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendations (individuals/teams).

The Silver Order of Cultural Merit will be awarded posthumously to singer Shin Hae-chul, who debuted by winning the grand prize at the 1988 University Song Festival and led the popularization of South Korean rock music through experimental musical journeys with bands like N.EX.T, before passing away in 2014.

Recipients of the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit include comedian Yu Jae-seok, who has been active as a leading broadcaster for over 30 years; singer Han Young-ae, marking her 50th debut anniversary; performance producer Park Myung-sung, who brought productions such as "Mamma Mia!" and "Chicago" to domestic stages; voice actor Park Young-nam, the voice behind "Dooly the Little Dinosaur" and "Crayon Shin-chan"; and musician Shin Kwan-woong, who has dedicated 50 years to the South Korean jazz scene.


Group BLACKPINK members ROSE, JISOO, JENNIE, and LISA, who are celebrating their 10th debut anniversary this year, will receive the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit in recognition of their contribution to the global spread of the Korean Wave.

Presidential Commendations will be awarded to music director Kang Seung-won, band Boohwal, group SUPER JUNIOR, film director Jang Hang-jun, and actors Yoo Hai-jin, Ryu Seung-ryong, and So Jisub.

Prime Minister's Commendations will go to broadcaster Bae Mi-hyang, film director Yoon Ga-eun, traditional pansori singer Lee Ja-ram, composer EJAE, actors Yoo Seung-mok, Kim Goeun, and Oh Jung-se, and duo AKMU.

Comedians Kim Shin-young and Kim Won-hun, choreographer LEEJUNG, actors Lim Ji-yeon, Choi Dae-hoon, PARK JIHOON, and Yoon Kyungho, film producer Jang Won-seok, singer JANG MINHO, and groups NMIXX and ENHYPEN will receive the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendations.

At today's ceremony, crossover group La:POEM and Order of Cultural Merit recipient Han Young-ae will deliver celebratory performances.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young stated, "This year's awardees are individuals who have spent a long time alongside the public in their respective fields on stage, in broadcasting, and in film, leading the development of our popular culture and arts." He added, "We will spare no support so that popular culture and artists can continue their creative activities with pride, and we will consistently strive to remember and honor the footsteps and achievements they have left behind."
 
(Photo: Courtesy of NEXT UNITED, YG Entertainment, Yonhap News)