# 17th Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards Recipients

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/17th-korean-popular-culture-and-arts-awards
> Updated: 2026-10-28T23:47:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency have announced the recipients for the 17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards. A total of 36 individuals and teams will receive government honors, including various orders of cultural merit and official citations.

K-pop group BLACKPINK—comprising members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa—will be awarded the Okgwan (Jade Crown) Order of Cultural Merit for their international achievements and contributions to the global reach of Korean pop music. Due to individual solo schedules, the group is not expected to attend the ceremony in person and will instead provide pre-recorded acceptance videos.

The late singer Shin Hae-chul will be posthumously awarded the Eungwan (Silver) Order of Cultural Merit, noted as the highest honor this year, for his role in popularizing Korean rock music through his experimental work with the band N. EX. T. 

The Bogwan (Precious Crown) Order of Cultural Merit will be awarded to Yoo Jae-suk, Han Young-ae, Park Myung-sung, Park Young-nam, and Shin Kwan-woong. Additionally, Presidential Citations will be presented to Boohwal, Super Junior, and actors Yoo Hae-jin and Ryu Seung-ryong. Prime Minister Citations will be awarded to the duo AKMU and actress Kim Go-eun, while other artists and creators will receive commendations from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

## Claims

- The 17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards will be held at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul. (reported by 4 sources)
- The late singer Shin Hae-chul will be posthumously awarded the Silver Crown Cultural Merit Medal. (reported by 4 sources)
- All four members of BLACKPINK will receive the Jade Crown Cultural Merit Medal. (reported by 4 sources)
- Yoo Jae-suk will receive the Treasure Crown Cultural Merit Medal. (reported by 4 sources)
- AKMU will receive a Prime Minister Citation. (reported by 4 sources)
- The ceremony will feature performances by crossover group La:POEM and singer Han Young-ae. (reported by 4 sources)
- A total of 36 individuals or teams were selected for awards. (reported by 3 sources)
- The awards include 10 Cultural Merit Medals, 7 Presidential Citations, 8 Prime Minister Citations, and 11 Minister Citations. (reported by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: South Korea honors BLACKPINK and late singer Shin Hae-chul with cultural merit awards

South Korea's 17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards will honor 36 recipients, including the late rock pioneer Shin Hae-chul, comedian Yoo Jae-suk, and K-pop group BLACKPINK.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-announces-17th-korea-popular-culture-and-arts-awards-winners

### 2026-10-28: BLACKPINK to receive honor at Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards

BLACKPINK will be honored at the 17th Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards on October 29, though members are unlikely to attend in person due to solo schedules.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blackpink-to-receive-honor-at-korean-popular-culture-and-arts-awards

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Cite as: 17th Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards Recipients. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/17th-korean-popular-culture-and-arts-awards