G-DRAGON Becomes Youngest Recipient of Cultural Merit Medal at 2025 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards

G-DRAGON, a member of the group BIGBANG and a solo artist, has become the youngest recipient of the Cultural Merit Medal.

On the 23rd, at the '2025 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards' ceremony held at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul, G-DRAGON was awarded the Ok-gwan Order of Cultural Merit for his contributions to the spread of Hallyu and the development of popular music.

Taking the stage, G-DRAGON reflected on his journey, saying, "It's been almost a year since my comeback after a long break. I remember being around six years old when I first went to an audition with my mom, not knowing much about it." He continued, "Since that day, I've been dreaming the same dream. In my teens, my dream was to become a singer, in my twenties, I received awards, and now in my thirties, I've received the Cultural Merit Medal. I'm really looking forward to my forties," he said with a smile.

G-DRAGON also expressed his heartfelt sentiments, saying, "I have always admired singers since I was young, and I still do. I'm proud to be a singer and I love what I do."

He didn't forget to express his respect for senior artists, saying, "Many senior artists who inspired my dreams were like shining stars to me every night. I grew up listening to their songs, and now that I've become one of those stars, next year marks the 20th anniversary of BIGBANG's debut. I want to share this honor with my members."

In closing, G-DRAGON shared a message, "I often say 'Good night, sweet dreams' before bed. Sometimes, good dreams can become reality. Even if they don't, having good dreams makes you feel good. I hope you all have sweet dreams."

Meanwhile, the 'Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards', now in its 16th year, is the most prestigious government award in South Korea, recognizing the contributions of actors, singers, comedians, voice actors, broadcast writers, and musicians to popular culture and arts. It is awarded to those who have made significant contributions to cultural and national development.

The 2025 awardees include six recipients of the Cultural Merit Medal, seven teams receiving the Presidential Citation, eight teams receiving the Prime Minister's Citation, and ten teams receiving the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Citation. Alongside G-DRAGON, the late Jeon Yoo-sung and voice actor Bae Han-sung were also awarded the Ok-gwan Order of Cultural Merit.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr