Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards — in pictures

The annual Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards took place at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening.

Sungjin of rock band DAY6, second from left, speaks after receiving the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation during the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [NEWS1]

The annual Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards took place at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. This year’s recipients included actor Shin Goo, Kang Boo-ja and rock band DAY6.

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency, the ceremony honors artists from various fields — music, comedy, film and more — who have contributed to the development of Korea’s culture and arts.

Actor Shin Goo, right, poses for a photo with Culture Minister Yu In-chon after receiving the Eungwan, or silver crown, Order of Cultural Merit, this year’s highest accolade, during the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards held at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [YONHAP]

Actor Kang Boo-ja speaks after receiving the Eungwan, or silver crown, Order of Cultural Merit, this year’s highest accolade, during the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [YONHAP]

The event was hosted by announcer Park Sun-young and singer-actor Kim Dong-jun.

Veteran actors Shin Goo and Kang Boo-ja received the Eungwan, or silver crown, Order of Cultural Merit, the highest accolade awarded this year.

In total, six individuals were honored with the Order of Cultural Merit, including Shin and Kang. The Bogwan, or precious crown, Order of Cultural Merit went to singer-songwriter Kim Chang-wan and variety show writer Lim Ki-hong. The Okgwan, or jeweled crown, Order of Cultural Merit was awarded to singer Lee Moo-sae, while actor Choi Soo-jong received the Hwagwan, or flower crown, Order of Cultural Merit.

Singer Lee Moon-sae sings after receiving the Okgwan, or jeweled crown, Order of Cultural Merit during the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [YONHAP]

Additionally, the Presidential Commendation, Prime Minister’s Commendation, and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation were presented to recipients including actors Chun Woo-hee, Lee Je-hoon and Jung Ho-yeon, as well as director Kim Han-min and rock bands DAY6, Silica Gel and Jannabi.

The ceremony featured special performances by the ensemble of the musical "Airport Baby" and Jannabi.

Actor Lee Je-hoon speaks after receiving the Prime Minister’s Commendation during the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [NEWS1]

The ensemble of the musical "Airport Baby" performs during the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [NEWS1]

Singer-songwriter Kim Chang-wan, right, poses for a photo with Culture Minister Yu In-chon after receiving the Bogwan, or precious crown, Order of Cultural Merit during the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [YONHAP]

Actor Choi Soo-jong speaks after receiving the Hwagwan, or flower crown, Order of Cultural Merit during the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [YONHAP]

Rock band Jannabi performs during the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [NEWS1]

The recipients of this year's Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards pose for a photo during the ceremony at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [YONHAP]

Prior to the ceremony, a red carpet event showcased numerous artists, including rock band Jannabi, actors Ahn Eun-jin and Chun, along with Culture Minister Yu In-chon.

Actor Kang Boo-ja and her husband, fellow actor Lee Muk-won, walk down the red carpet ahead of the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [YONHAP]

Actor Lee Je-hoon poses for a photo during the red carpet event ahead of the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [YONHAP]

Actor Chun Woo-hee poses for a photo during the red carpet event ahead of the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [YONHAP]

Rock band Silica Gel poses for a photo during the red carpet event ahead of the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [YONHAP]

Actor Jung Ho-yeon poses for a photo during the red carpet event ahead of the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [YONHAP]

The hosts of this year's Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, announcer Park Sun-young and singer-actor Kim Dong-jun, pose for a photo during the red carpet event ahead of the ceremony at the National Theater's Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening. [YONHAP]

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]