K-pop group BTS the youngest recipient of cultural medal at 2018 Korean Popular Culture & Arts Awards

It was a day filled with national pride as Hallyu stars were honoured at the 2018 Korean Popular Culture & Arts Awards held at Olympic Hall in Seoul on Wednesday (Oct 24).

The Korean government presented a total of 36 awards to actors and musicians to recognise their efforts in promoting Hallyu through K-drama and K-pop.

K-pop boyband BTS is the first idol group as well as the youngest-ever recipients of the Orders of Cultural Merit. During their acceptance speech, Jin said: "Thank you so much for this medal. We're often overseas, and many people sing along with our songs in Korean and tell us proudly that they studied Korean. It makes me proud." 

Actress Kim Nam Joo and TV host Yoo Jae Suk were awarded the Presidential Commendation while actress Son Ye-jin received the Prime Minister's Commendation. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Commendation went to K-pop girl group Red Velvet and lyricist Kim Ea Na.

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