Actor Ju Ji-hoon received a Prime Minister’s Commendation at the 2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, capping a banner year fueled by the breakout success of medical drama "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" and a trophy haul from the Baeksang Arts Awards, Blue Dragon Series Awards, and Seoul International Drama Awards.
Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency, the 16th annual ceremony took place on Oct. 23 at the Haeoreum Grand Theater inside the National Theater of Korea. The honors recognize artists who have elevated Korea’s pop culture and arts, and are considered among the country’s highest government accolades. Ju’s commendation further underscores his clout and staying power across film and television.
Taking the stage to accept the award, Ju said, “It’s an honor to stand here alongside so many artists I admire. I’ll keep working hard―thank you.”
Ju Ji-hoon made his leading-man debut with MBC’s 2006 hit "Princess Hours" and has since built a versatile resume across film and TV, balancing critical acclaim and mainstream appeal.
He also helped supercharge the global rise of K-content with the "Along with the Gods" franchise―Korea’s first to deliver two 10-million-admission blockbusters―and Netflix’s "Kingdom," which cemented the streamer’s early momentum in Korea.
This year, "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" dominated cultural conversation, debuting at No. 1 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 for Non-English TV and sweeping metrics at home and abroad. Riding that wave, Ju embarked on an Asia fan tour, spotlighting both the series’ fervent fandom and his international star power.
Beyond acting, he recently served on the jury for the 21st Mise-en-scene Short Film Festival and remains in-demand with major endorsements across fashion, spirits, and wellness brands.
Ju is currently filming the highly anticipated 2026 Disney+ series "The Remarried Empress."
Photo: Blitzway Entertainment
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)