Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards 2023: NewJeans, THE BOYZ, and Stray Kids mark a memorable win

The Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards celebrated the achievements of various artists at their annual ceremony this year.

Some notable names like NewJeans, Stray Kids, Park Eun Bin, Im Siwan, and more were recognized at the 2023 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards. These awards, presented by the South Korean government, acknowledge the contributions of artists from different fields to the advancement of popular culture. The ceremony for this year happened on October 21 at the Haeoreum Grand Theater.

The event was hosted by Jang Ye Won and Jang Dong Yoon, and there were congratulatory performances by artists like Monika and her dance crew PROWDMON, 10CM, Chuu, and MeloMance.

In total, there were several awards given out. Eight artists (including groups) received the Prime Minister's Commendations, which is one of the highest honors. Six artists were presented with the Order of Cultural Merit, and seven artists (including groups) received Presidential Commendations. Additionally, 10 artists (including groups) received Commendations from the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

An interesting highlight is that singer Lee Mi Ja became the first pop musician to receive the prestigious Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the highest Order of Cultural Merit.

The list of awardees included beloved idols like IVE, NewJeans, Stray Kids, and popular actors such as Park Eun Bin, Im Siwan, and many more.

Here's a list of some of the notable awards:

Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit (1st Class)

Singer Lee Mi Ja

Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit (2nd Class)

Voice actor Lee Geun Wook, actress Jung Hye Sun

Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit (3rd Class)

Singer Kim Soo Chul, screenwriter Lee Hwan Kyung, lyricist Yang In Ja


Presidential Commendation

Actor Hwang Jung Min, entertainer Choi Yang Rak, entertainer Shin Dong Yup, director Yoo In Sik, screenwriter Jung Seo Kyung, musician Choi Yi Cheol, band Crying Nut

Prime Minister’s Commendation

Actor Namgoong Min, actress Park Eun Bin, singer 10CM, band Stray Kids, entertainer Kim Tae Gyun, voice actor Jang Gwang, sound director Go Hyun Jung, artistic director Kim Bo Ram


Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism’s Commendation

Actor Im Siwan, actress Joo Hyun Young, entertainer Hwang Je Sung, band IVE, band THE BOYZ, band MeloMance, singer Lee Chan Won, dancer Monika, musician 250, band NewJeans.