Yoon Dong-ju (1917–1945), a poet who expressed the pain and resistance of the Korean people during the Japanese occupation through his works, has been posthumously awarded the Gold Medal of Cultural Merit.
On October 26, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held the 2026 Cultural Arts Awards ceremony at the Modu Arts Theater in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, where both Yoon Dong-ju and poet Kim Nam-jo (1927–2023) received the highest honor, the Gold Medal of Cultural Merit.
Yoon Dong-ju is celebrated as a leading poet in Korea, known for his lyrical and introspective poetry that reflects the national suffering and spirit of resistance during the Japanese colonial period. Kim Nam-jo, a female writer, authored over 1,000 poems and essays throughout her 70-year career.
The Silver Medal of Cultural Merit was awarded to five individuals, including cartoonist Lee Hyun-se, poet Yoo An-jin, and actors Jeon Mu-song and Park Jeong-ja, as well as the late artist Jeong Sang-hwa.
The Bronze Medal of Cultural Merit was given to six recipients, including hanbok designer Kim Hye-soon, film director Park Kyung-sam, poet Kim Kwang-kyu, novelist Kim Hong-sin, pianist Seo Gye-sook, and dancer Kim Sook-ja. The Honorary Medal of Cultural Merit was awarded to the late Sijo master Lee Young-jun, dancer Moon Byeong-nam, and stone craft master Yoon Man-geol, while architect Cheon Ui-young received the Flower Medal of Cultural Merit.
The President's Award, known as the Republic of Korea Cultural Arts Award, was presented to six individuals, including artistic director Jeong Gu-ho, novelist Kim Ae-ran, ajaeng player Kim Young-gil, theater director Kang Yang-won, installation artist Kim Seung-young, and craft planner Lim Mi-sun. Each recipient of the Republic of Korea Cultural Arts Award receives a presidential citation and a cash prize of 10 million won.
The 'Young Artist of Today Award' recognized eight individuals, including novelist Yeo So-yeon, composer Kim Shin, geomungo player Lee Jae-ha, performance planner Shin Ba-ram, choreographer Jeon Hyuk-jin, artist Kim Young-eun, craftsperson Park Jong-jin, and architectural curator Jeong Da-young.
Additionally, five parents who supported the growth of artists were honored with the 'Outstanding Parents of Artists Award.' This year, a total of 36 individuals received awards for their contributions to the arts.
Minister Choi Hwi-young stated, "Today, K-Culture stands on the foundation of the dedication and sacrifices of the awardees. The Ministry will do its utmost to ensure that current and future artists can work under better conditions than before."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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