Critics Kim Woo-chang and Poet Kim Ji-ha Awarded the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit

Silver Crown Cultural Medal awarded to artist Lee Geonyong and Korea National University of Arts honorary professor Kim Namyun

Literary critic Kim Woo-chang and the late poet Kim Ji-ha will receive the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced sixteen recipients of this year's Cultural Merit Awards, including the two, on the 21st. The awards ceremony will be held in the afternoon at the National Folk Museum auditorium.

Mr. Kim has deeply reflected on literature, humanity, and society, presenting directions on the social significance and role of scholarship. He also contributed to elucidating the unique epistemological structure of Korean literature. Poet Kim was a figure who led the democratization movement through works such as "Ojeok" and "Burning Thirst." He also contributed to the development of literature by presenting aesthetic theories on new national culture.

The Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit will be awarded to painter Lee Geon-yong and Professor Emeritus Kim Nam-yoon of Korea National University of Arts. Painter Lee is a first-generation Korean performance artist who presented works such as "Body Drawing" and "Snail's Pace." He is active on the global stage under an exclusive contract with Face Gallery. Professor Kim is a world-renowned violinist who has served as an international competition judge and educator, nurturing many global artists.

The Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit recipients include Shin Hyun-deuk, advisor to the Korean Writers' Association who published fifty-five collections of poems and fairy tales; Yoo Sang-ok, chairman of Coreana Cosmetics who led domestic and international touring exhibitions; Jo Il-sang, professor emeritus at Dong-A University and artistic director of the Jinju Traditional Craft Biennale; Lee Soon-jong, professor emeritus at Seoul National University who opened new horizons in domestic convergence design education; Choi Cheong-ja, a first-generation Korean modern dancer and member of the National Academy of Arts; and Shim Jae-chan, director of the National Theater Company who directed plays such as "Onion."

The recipients of the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit are Kim Hee-geun, chairman of Byucksan Engineering; Park Shin-il, CEO of Shinwoo Construction; Kim Cheol-soo, professor emeritus at Kyungpook National University; and Kwak Tae-gyu, former director of the Traditional Arts Center at Korea National University of Arts. The Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit will be awarded to Kim Won-yong, president of the Korean Music Performers Association, and Lee Young-hee, former chairperson of the Korean Gugak Association.

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