On October 23, 2025, K-pop superstar G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong) made history as the youngest recipient of the Okkwan Cultural Medal, one of South Korea’s highest honors in popular culture and arts.
The award ceremony, part of the 2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, took place at the National Theater of Korea’s Ha-O-Rim Theater in Jangchung-dong, Seoul.
Now in its 16th year, the awards recognize artists who have made significant contributions to Korean entertainment in music, film, broadcasting, and performing arts.
The awards are organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).
Recipients are selected through a public nomination process, evaluated by experts for their years of contribution, achievements, and societal impact.
This year, along with G-Dragon, the award honored voice actor Bae Han-sung and the late comedian Jeon Yoo-seong, reflecting a range of talent across the industry.
G-Dragon’s Humble and Heartfelt Acceptance Speech
Taking the stage, G-Dragon appeared both excited and nervous. Introducing himself, he said,
“The youngest recipient, singer G-Dragon,” immediately setting a tone of humility and gratitude.
His speech reflected on a lifelong journey in the entertainment industry, starting from his early childhood experiences.
He fondly recalled being about six years old, holding his mother’s hand during his first audition, a memory that marked the beginning of his pursuit to become a singer.
BIGBANG’s G-Dragon (Credit: YouTube)
He spoke about achieving his dream in his teenage years, receiving commendations in his twenties, and now, in his thirties, being awarded the Okkwan Cultural Medal.
G-Dragon’s reflections conveyed deep appreciation for the journey itself, emphasizing that each stage of his career has shaped who he is today.
Humor and Relatability on Stage
Despite meticulous preparation, G-Dragon admitted feeling overwhelmed once on stage, joking about rushing to the restroom before his speech.
This candidness made him relatable, showing that even globally renowned artists experience moments of nervousness.
His light-hearted tone added warmth to the ceremony, creating a memorable and engaging acceptance moment.
Celebrating Big Bang and His Fans
He acknowledged the unwavering support of fans, stating that their encouragement has been integral to his achievements.
This gesture emphasized the collective effort behind individual recognition, reinforcing the connection between artists and their supporters.
Reflecting on Inspiration and Influence
The singer paid tribute to the artists who inspired him, describing them as “shining stars” that guided his own career.
Today, he proudly considers himself among those stars, demonstrating the cyclical nature of inspiration within the arts.
This acknowledgment highlights G-Dragon’s respect for mentors and the broader creative community, illustrating how influence and inspiration transcend generations in the entertainment industry.
The Power of Dreams
G-Dragon shared thoughts on the importance of dreaming and aspirations. He spoke about the simple ritual of wishing others good night, emphasizing that even small acts carry profound significance.
He reflected that dreaming allows one to transform reality into possibility, and even unfulfilled dreams can inspire new ambitions.
His message resonated deeply, offering both motivation and hope to fans and the wider audience.
BTS member Suga (real name Min Yoon-gi) has taken a major step in supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by establishing the Min Yoongi Center at Severance Hospital in Seoul.
The center officially opened in September 2025 with a donation of 5 billion KRW (~$3.56 million), marking one of the largest celebrity contributions to Yonsei University’s Health System.
BTS’s Suga (Credit: YouTube)
Motivation Behind the Center
Suga’s dedication to pediatric mental health has been long-standing. After learning about the shortage of specialized care for autistic individuals through conversations with Professor Cheon Keun-ah, a child psychiatry expert, Suga decided to fund a facility that provides long-term, individualized care tailored to patients’ needs.
Facilities and Programs
The Min Yoongi Center offers:
- Therapy rooms for speech and behavioral therapy
- Group therapy rooms equipped with soundproofing and audio systems for music and social skills programs
- A waiting area featuring artwork by Lee Kyu-jae, a visual artist on the autism spectrum
- A key program, “MIND” (Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity), was developed by Suga and Professor Cheon. Suga previously volunteered in music-based activities for children with autism, integrating his artistic expertise into therapy.
The center also provides personalized integrated therapy delivered by a multidisciplinary team, including:
- Child psychiatrists
- Music therapists
- Speech and behavioral therapists
- Clinical psychologists
BTS’s Suga (Credit: YouTube)
Future expansions plan to include art, physical education, and other creative therapies, professional training, and clinical research.
Significance
The Min Yoongi Center addresses a critical gap in South Korea’s healthcare system for autistic children.
By combining music, therapy, and creative programs, Suga is not only improving access to care but also raising awareness about neurodiversity.
The facility exemplifies how celebrity influence can drive social impact and innovation in healthcare.
Looking Ahead
Severance Hospital plans to relocate and expand the center to meet growing demand, further professionalizing autism care.
Suga’s initiative demonstrates the potential of integrating arts and therapy for holistic development, setting a benchmark for future philanthropic efforts in South Korea.
