The 2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards were held at the Haoreum Theater of the National Theater in Seoul on the evening of the 23rd, with actor Kim Min-gyu and announcer Park Sun-yeong serving as hosts. The event celebrates the nation’s top achievements in popular culture and arts across film, music, theater, and broadcasting.

The Silver Crown Medal of Culture was awarded to actress Kim Hae-sook, who expressed gratitude for the honor and pledged to continue as a warmer, more responsible actor beside the audience. The Copper Crown Medal of Culture went to actor Lee Byung-hun and actor Jeong Dong-hwan; Byung-hun remarked that the award is meaningful as a recognition of Korea’s culture on the world stage, while Dong-hwan reflected on his long career and looked back on his stage life, including a tribute to a friend who has passed away. He also spoke about a mentor who could not attend in person due to health reasons, wishing the mentor a full recovery.

The Gold Crown Medal of Culture went to rapper G-Dragon, voice actor Bae Han-sung, and late comedian Jeon Yu-seong, with G-Dragon joking about his future prospects and recalling his early dream of becoming a singer. Jeon Yu-seong’s acceptance was presented through a pre-recorded message reflecting on the words he left behind during his lifetime.

The Presidential Citation was awarded to actress Kim Mi-kyung, actor Lee Min-ho, actress Lee Jung-eun, the boy band TVXQ, SEVENTEEN, ROSÉ of BLACKPINK, and voice actor Kim Eun-yeong. The Prime Minister’s Citation went to actress Kim Tae-ri, Kim Ji-won, Park Bo-young, Park Hae-jun, Jo Ji-hoon, the groups ATEEZ, TWICE, and musician Choi Hee-seon.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister’s Citation was given to actress Ko Yun-jeong, Byun Woo-seok, Ji Chang-wook, Chu Young-woo, the group RISE, (G)I-DLE, LE SSERAFIM, ZEROBASEONE, comedian Lee Suji, and the dance crew Bebes. The awardees highlighted above reflect the diversity of Korea’s pop-culture landscape and its continued global influence.

Note: The article also lists the recipients by category in a summarized form, including continued references to the other award distinctions.

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