Artist Park Seo-bo and Professor Lee O-ryeong Awarded the Geumgwan Cultural Medal

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Announces 35 Recipients for Contributions to Cultural and Artistic Development

On the 21st, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced thirty-five individuals who have contributed to the development of culture and arts. This includes seventeen recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit, five recipients of the Republic of Korea Culture and Arts Award (Presidential Citation), eight recipients of the Young Artist Award of the Day (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Citation), and five recipients of the Honorable Parents of Artists Award (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Plaque of Appreciation).

The highest honor, the Geumgwan (Gold Crown) Order of Cultural Merit, was awarded to painter Park Seobo and honorary chair professor Lee O-ryeong of Ewha Womans University. Painter Park is a pioneer of 'Dansaekhwa,' symbolizing Korean art. He contributed to the development of art by promoting Korean abstract painting worldwide and serving as a professor at Hongik University and chairman of the Korea Fine Arts Association. Professor Lee is a novelist and literary critic. He wrote works such as the novel "General's Beard" and the essay collection "Digilog," presenting cultural directions in response to changing times. He also nurtured numerous students during his tenure as a professor.

The Eun-gwan (Silver Crown) Order of Cultural Merit was awarded to painter Kim Byung-ki, former professor Kim Woo-jong of Duksung Women's University, master singer Ahn Suk-sun, and the late professor Yoo Hee-kyung of Ewha Womans University. Painter Kim is a leading figure who pioneered abstract art in the modern and contemporary Korean art scene and remains active even past the age of 100. Former professor Kim published the literary magazine "Changjak Sanmaek" and worked to purge pro-Japanese literature. Master singer Ahn is a holder of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage for Gayageum Sanjo and Byeongchang performance skills, promoting traditional Korean arts on the world stage for over 60 years. The late professor Yoo was a first-generation researcher of traditional Korean clothing, establishing a systematic foundation for the study of Korean attire through her publications.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Animation film director Kim Cheong-gi, the late novelist Nam Jeong-hyun, the late composer Lee Su-in, and former honorary professor Lee Ae-ju of Seoul National University received the Bogwan (Precious Crown) Order of Cultural Merit. Director Kim contributed to the development of domestic animation by producing about fifty animations including "Robot Taekwon V." Novelist Nam sharply identified and exposed political realities and social contradictions through works like "Bunji." Composer Lee created over 500 beloved children's songs and more than 100 art songs, including "Round and Round" and "Forward." Former professor Lee is a holder of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage for Seungmu (monk's dance), leading efforts to preserve traditional dance and establish an academic foundation for Korean dance.

The Okgwan (Jade Crown) Order of Cultural Merit was awarded to artist Kim Su-ja, Kim In-cheol, head of the architectural firm Archium, potter Baek Young-gyu, Ahn Jung-won, director of the Korea Disabled Culture and Arts Foundation, and the late Um Young-ja, former head of the Gwangju-Jeonnam branch of the Korea Ballet Association. Artist Kim actively works on the international stage with installations and performances rooted in everyday objects and Korean identity, such as needles, mirrors, and bundles. Architect Kim established a unique architectural world through interpretations of spaces based on tradition. Potter Baek reproduced Joseon dynasty bowls (Idodawan) and Daegaya pottery, producing and exhibiting various ceramics that advanced Korean ceramic culture. The Hwagwan (Flower Crown) Order of Cultural Merit was awarded to potter Kwon Dae-seop, who added a modern sensibility to the production methods of Joseon white porcelain, and Park Yong-hyun, director of the Doosan Yeon-gang Foundation, who established the Doosan Yeon-gang Art Award and operated the Doosan Art Center.

Master singer Ahn Sook-sun. Photo by Lotte Concert Hall

The Republic of Korea Culture and Arts Award was given to Park Jang-ryeol, artistic director of the Gyeongnam Provincial Theater who has worked as a director in theater for over 30 years; Byun Jong-hyeok, artistic director of the Gwanhyeon Myeongin Traditional Arts Troupe, who promoted the artistry of Korean disabled artists overseas; poet Ahn Sang-hak, who expressed the pain and solidarity of the Jeju 4.3 Incident and the May 18 Democratic Movement in his poetry; Heo Ho, CEO of Heo Silk Textile, who inherited and culturally elevated the tradition of Myeongju silk weaving; and the Hanji Development Institute, which has worked to preserve and promote Hanji (traditional Korean paper) culture. Recipients of the Young Artist Award of the Day include metal craftsman Kim Dong-hyun, choreographer Kim Bora, traditional Korean musician Kim Se-yoon, soprano Park Hana, exhibition curator Shim So-mi, director and actor Lee Seung-won, architect Lee Jeong-hoon, and novelist Jeong Se-rang.

The Honorable Parents of Artists Award, recognizing parents who raised outstanding artists, was given to Mrs. Gong Yeon-sik, mother of theater director Nam In-woo; Mrs. Kim Hak-nyeon, mother of printmaker Lee Yoon-yeop; Mr. Park Sang-soo, father of poet Park Jun; Mrs. Seo Bok-gyeong, mother of musical producer Jo Yoon-jin; and Mrs. Jeon Jeong-ja, mother of traditional Korean musician Yoon Jin-cheol. The award ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on the 22nd at the Daloreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.