G-Dragon, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Min-ho shine bright at Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards

SHAH ALAM – Lights, legends and a little bit of goosebumps: South Korea’s biggest stars from G-Dragon to Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-ho came together for one glamorous night to celebrate the country’s unstoppable entertainment wave at the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards.

It was all glitz and star power at the National Theatre of Korea as G-Dragon stepped up to the stage, flashing that iconic smile while holding his Jade Crown Order of Cultural Merit.

K-pop duo TVXQ (top) and boy band Seventeen (bottom).

The Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, hosted by the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism was no ordinary awards show, as it was their biggest stage for honouring those who have shaped the Hallyu (Korean wave) through music, film, comedy and even voice acting.

As G-Dragon accepted his award, the BigBang frontman got sentimental, reflecting on his lifelong dream.

“The first place I remember going, holding tightly onto my mother’s hand, was an audition hall when I was around six years old. Since that day, I’ve been dreaming the same dream ever since,” he said.

With a grin, he shared that his teenage dream of becoming a singer had come true, that he received a commendation in his 20s and was awarded the Jade Crown Order in his 30s.

He further added that he now has high hopes for his 40s.

In a reflective moment, G-Dragon, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, shared that many senior artists had inspired him and were shining stars in his eyes as he grew up listening to their songs.

The ceremony kicked off with a fiery performance by dance crew Bebe, who tore up the stage to hits like Golden from KPop Demon Hunters (2025) and G-Dragon’s Too Bad (2025).

This year, 31 artists and teams were honoured for their impact on Korean entertainment.

The awards featured four major distinctions, including the Order of Cultural Merit, Presidential Commendation, Prime Minister’s Commendation and Culture Minister’s Commendation.

Veteran actress Kim Hae-sook, everyone’s favourite ‘K-drama mum,’ received the Silver Crown Order for her unforgettable performances in Thirst (2009) and The Handmaiden (2016).

The Precious Crown Order went to acting powerhouses Lee Byung-hun and Jung Dong-hwan.

Lee, known for Squid Game (2021–2025) and No Other Choice (2025), called it a milestone year. He said this year had been especially meaningful for him, with projects such as Squid Game, KPop Demon Hunters and No Other Choice, which is currently being screened at international film festivals.

“Meeting audiences and fans overseas not only K-pop and K-drama fans but people who deeply appreciate Korean culture; I could really feel first-hand how incredible the global influence of K-culture has become.

“As a Korean and as someone working in Korean popular arts, it’s been a year of immense pride,” he added, reflecting on his global journey.

Also receiving the Jade Crown Order alongside G-Dragon were veteran voice actor Bae Han-seong and the late comedian Jeon Yoo-sung, honoured posthumously for their lasting impact on Korean entertainment.

The Presidential Commendation roster was equally stacked with household names such as Kim Mi-kyung, Lee Min-ho, Lee Jung-eun, Rosé of Blackpink, voice actor Kim Eun-young, K-pop duo TVXQ and boy band Seventeen.

Meanwhile, Kim Tae-ri, Kim Ji-won, Park Bo-young, Park Hae-joon, Ju Ji-hoon, Ateez, Twice and musician Choi Hee-sun were recognised with the Prime Minister’s Commendation.

Rising stars also had their moment to shine, proving that the next generation of Korean talent is more than ready to carry the Hallyu wave forward.

The Culture Minister’s Commendation went to outstanding actors Go Youn-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Ji Chang-wook and Choo Young-woo, as well as K-pop sensations Riize, (G)I-dle, Le Sserafim and Zerobaseone, together with comedian Lee Soo-ji and the ever-energetic Bebe dance crew.

From veteran legends to new generation superstars, the night captured everything fans love about Korean pop culture: the passion, the artistry and the ever-growing global heartbeat of Hallyu.