Korean Artists With Prestigious Awards From Government
Thanks to the several award-giving bodies in Korea, their artists are always recognized for their talents and achievements. Almost every day, a K-Pop artist is awarded at the daily music shows. But there are a handful of artists whose achievements are top-notch and are recognized not only by the show business industry but also by the government. Here are some of the Korean artists who received prestigious awards from the government.
Youn Yuh Jung
South Korea’s first Oscar winner, Youn Yuh Jung received the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the highest honor in the annual Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards. The Order of Cultural Merit is given to South Koreans who made an impact on their culture and arts. The actress received a Geumgwan, the highest level.
Red Velvet’s Wendy
The Red Velvet member received the Obama Presidential Award. Given annually to students with excellent performance. Wendy received her award during her middle school years in 8th grade. Wendy has her name engraved at the school’s hall of fame under her birth name, Shon Seung Wan.
Girls’ Generation
In 2011, the nation’s girl group received the prestigious Prime Minister’s Commendation Award at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards ceremony. The award-giving body recognizes the artists who contributed to the advancement of Korean pop culture and arts. The group is the first artist awarded with Prime Minister’s Commendation Award. 2NE1, Kim Jong Kook, IU, JYJ, SHINee, G-Dragon and EXO were awarded in the succeeding years.
BTS
Today’s biggest boy band received the Order of Cultural Merit from the Korean government for their contribution in promoting Korean culture and language to the world. The Order of Cultural Merit is given to Koreans who promote their cultural assets across the globe and the 7 members become the youngest recipients of the prestigious award.
EXO
In 2018, EXO became the first K-Pop group in history to receive medals made in their image. Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation or KOMSCO is a government-owned corporation responsible for printing and minting banknotes and coins and other government documents in Korea. According to KOMSCO, they produced an official medal for EXO, for being the top idol group in Korea and in the center of Hallyu, The corporation also produced the creating the Pyeongchang Olympics medals. All nine members’ faces are placed on the front of the medal and with EXO’s logo at the back.
Stray Kids
Stray Kids have been chosen as one of the eight recipients of the ‘Prime Minister’s Commendation’ at the 2023 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards. The Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards is an annual government program that aims to celebrate those who have played a vital role in promoting and enhancing Korean culture. It offers four distinct awards: the Order of Cultural Merit, Presidential Commendation, Prime Minister’s Commendation, and Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Commendation.
In history, only a few other groups, namely Girls’ Generation, 2NE1, JYJ, SHINee, EXO, and most recently SEVENTEEN, have received this esteemed award.
