(C) Global Economic Times
Seoul — The South Korean literary and arts communities are celebrating as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) announced the recipients of the 2025 honors for contributions to cultural and artistic development. In the highest recognition of governmental accolade, veteran novelist Hwang Sok-yong was bestowed with the Geumgwan (Gold Crown) Order of Cultural Merit, the top-tier decoration in the cultural sector. Simultaneously, celebrated writer Eun Hee-kyung was honored with the Korea Culture and Arts Award.
The awards ceremony, held yesterday, recognized a total of 33 distinguished individuals, including 17 recipients of the prestigious Cultural Medals (Culture Hunjang).
Hwang Sok-yong, known for his decades-long career chronicling modern Korean history and the lives of its common people, was honored for his profound impact. The MCST cited his "leading role in the flow of Korean literature, contributing to social healing and introspection based on deep critical awareness, and elevating the status of Korean literature by introducing it widely overseas." His seminal works, such as Jang Gilsan, The Old Garden, and The Road to Sampo, are considered cornerstones of post-war Korean realism. Notably, his novel Mater 2-10 (The Three Generations of the Railroad Man) was recently shortlisted for the International Booker Prize, significantly boosting the global visibility of Korean fiction.
Tiered Honors for Diverse Artistic Fields
The Eungwan (Silver Crown) Order of Cultural Merit was conferred upon four individuals whose work has shaped their respective fields: Kim Hwa-young, Professor Emeritus at Korea University, recognized for his fifty years of contributions to Korean literary development and Franco-Korean cultural exchange through extensive translations of French literature, including the works of Albert Camus and Jean Grenier; Han Tae-sook, a theater director who established a unique aesthetic in Korean theater through five decades of active creative work; Yoo Hee-young, a member of the National Academy of Arts, acknowledged for pioneering a distinctive style in color-field abstraction; and Cho Sung-ryong, CEO of an architectural firm, whose influential designs include the acclaimed Seonyudo Park.
Furthermore, five figures received the Bogwan (Precious Crown) Order of Cultural Merit, acknowledging their foundational work in modernizing and globalizing Korean arts. This group includes Kwon Young-min, Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University, for systematizing the historical framework of modern literature; Na In-yong, a composer and member of the National Academy of Arts; Yang Sung-won, a professor and renowned cellist at Yonsei University; contemporary artist Lee Kang-so; and landscape architect Jung Young-sun, CEO of Seoahn Total Landscape Architecture.
Lower-tier honors were also distributed, with four individuals, including cartoonist Kim Hyung-bae, receiving the Okgwan (Jeweled Crown) Order of Cultural Merit, and three, including animation studio CEO Choi Shin-gyu, receiving the Hwagwan (Flower Crown) Order of Cultural Merit.
Recognition for Current Artistic Excellence
Beyond the cultural medals, the Korea Culture and Arts Award (Presidential Commendation) was presented to five recipients, including novelist Eun Hee-kyung, whose works are lauded for their intricate psychological depth and satirical edge. Other recipients included Choi Woo-jung, a composition professor at Seoul National University.
The future of Korean arts was also highlighted with the Today’s Young Artist Award (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation). Eight promising talents were recognized, including Park Cheon-hyu, the musical writer behind the Tony Award-winning show Maybe Happy Ending, and novelist Sung Hae-na. The wide array of recipients across literature, architecture, theater, music, and visual arts reflects the comprehensive scope of national efforts to foster and celebrate artistic achievement.
In a statement, the Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism conveyed sincere congratulations and respect to all 33 awardees, affirming the Ministry’s commitment to "institutionally and politically supporting the sustained development of Korean culture and arts to realize the dream of 'Korea: A Cultural Powerhouse.'"
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