The Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards 2022, the highest-honor government awards in the field of popular culture and arts, was held at the Haeoreum Grand Theater of the National Theatre of Korea in Seoul on November 24, 2022 (Thur).

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister PARK Bo Gyoon, MCST) and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency (President JO Hyun Rae, KOCCA), the Award has been held each year since it was first introduced in 2010 to raise social recognition of popular culture and arts and commend those who have contributed to the advancement of the popular culture sector and the spread of the Korean culture.

MCST nominated a pool of candidates through open calls and expert recommendations that were then shortlisted after extensively reviewing their period of valued contributions, achievements at home and abroad, degree of contribution to the related sector, degree of social contribution, and other various factors. After the rigorous screening process, the Ministry selected a total of 28 individuals (or teams) for awards, including the Order of Cultural Merit (5 individuals), Presidential Commendations (6 individuals), Prime Minister Commendations (8 individuals and teams), and MCST Minister Commendations (9 individuals and teams).

This year, Eungwan medals, the highest honor of the Awards, were bestowed upon director PARK Chan Wook and the late actress KANG Soo Youn. Director PARK is the most awarded Korean director at Cannes after he won the Best Director award this year with his latest film Decision to Leave. The late, iconic actress KANG made her acting debut at the age of three in 1969 and won the nation’s first Best Actress award at the Venice International Film Festival, earning the title “Korea’s first world star.”

The Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit went to actor SONG Gang Ho, who won the nation’s first Best Actor award at Cannes for his performance in Broker. Another winner was seasoned screenwriter PARK Jin Sook, who wrote her first script for the episode “More, More, More…” of KBS’s Literature on Screen show in 1987. She has penned scripts for top-rated TV shows including Son and Daughter. The nation’s beloved comic book artist HUH Young Man was also honored with the award. Many of his works, including Bridal Mask, Asphalt Man, Mr. Q, Tazza, and Gourmet, have been adapted into films and TV shows.

Six President Commendation winners, Eight Prime Minister Commendation winners (individuals and teams), and Nine MCST Minister Commendation winners (individuals and teams)

Idol groups, performers, voice actors, choreographers, and other artists in various areas of contemporary pop culture and the arts recognized for their valued achievements

This year’s Presidential Commendations went to voice actor HONG Seung Ok, musician PYON Sung Yong, actor KIM Yoon Seok, singer KIM Hyun Chul, author PARK Hye Young, and the late music director BANG Jun Seok.

Prime Minister Commendations were awarded to actor LEE Sung Min, singer JANG Pil Soon, comedian PARK Myung Soo, singer (band) JAURIM, director YEON Sang Ho, producer KIM Ji Yeon, singer ZICO, and author KIM Bo Tong.

MCST Minister Commendations were presented to nine recipients: voice actor KIM Young Seon, vocalist KIM Seong Young, executive producer HAN Seung Won, actress JEON Mi Do, comedian HONG Hyeon Hee, choreographer Aiki, singer Paul KIM, singer (band) Tomorrow X Together, and signer (band) Aespa.

Hosted by TV presenter JANG Ye Won and actor PARK Sun Ho, this year’s awards ceremony featured various congratulatory performances by contemporary pop culture stars and artists leading Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, including choreographer Aiki and dance group HOOK, Yooa from Oh My Girl, and Paul KIM. 

The ceremony was aired online in real time via the YouTube channels of the KOCCA and The K-pop and will be rebroadcasted on channel SBS Fil on December 3 (Sat) at 21:00 and channel SBS M on December 4 (Sun) at 22:00. More information on the Awards is available on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/korea.entertainment.awards)