Actor Yu Hae-jin received a presidential commendation at the 17th Pop Culture and Art Awards on October 29, 2026, marking his first public appearance since security details around his home were lifted following controversy over his film Assassin(s).
Stepping up to the podium in a dark suit at the National Theater of Korea’s Haeoreum Grand Theater in Jung-gu, Seoul, Yu addressed the audience with a mix of gratitude and humility. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency to celebrate figures who have elevated the social standing of popular culture and arts.
Thank you very much for giving me this great award. I think the impact of The King and I had a lot to do with me being able to receive it.
Box-Office Triumph and Security Safeguards Lifted
Yu’s recognition stems largely from his acclaimed work as the village chief Eom Heung-do in the historical drama The King and I, directed by Jang Hang-jun.
In September, Yu starred in Assassin(s), directed by Heo Jin-ho, which depicts the 1974 assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-su. The film’s alternative narrative framing triggered sharp pushback from conservative groups, including protests outside Yu’s residence by organizations such as New Free Union and Bellado.
Fearing for his safety amid online threats and physical demonstrations, Yu’s agency requested police protection. Authorities responded by issuing a smart watch, registering his address in the 112 emergency system, and stepping up patrols around his home. Those protective measures were ultimately lifted in mid-October at the agency’s request, allowing Yu to step back into the public eye after skipping major events like the Busan International Film Festival and the Buil Film Awards.
I feel like the only way I can repay this is through works like The King and I and other good films. I will work even harder.
Yoo Jae-suk and Blackpink Honored Alongside Yu Hae-jin
The ceremony recognized 36 individuals and teams across various government tiers, including cultural medals, presidential commendations, prime ministerial honors, and ministerial citations. While Yu and director Jang accepted presidential commendations alongside actors Ryu Seung-ryong and So Ji-sub, comedian Yoo Jae-suk was awarded the Bo-gwan Order of Cultural Merit in recognition of his 36-year broadcasting career.
During a group photo session, Yoo was caught on camera giving Yu’s back a warm, reassuring pat. Accepting his medal, Yoo reflected on his early decades in television.
Thinking back to when I first debuted, rather than realizing my own shortcomings and asking 'Why doesn't the world recognize me?', I spent close to 10 years just complaining and feeling dissatisfied. Looking back, these days I feel like 'the world is looking at me too much'. Yoo
Other major recipients included Blackpink members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, who received Ok-gwan Orders of Cultural Merit—marking the first time a K-pop girl group has earned cultural medals for expanding South Korea’s musical reach globally. Additionally, a posthumous Eun-gwan Order of Cultural Merit was awarded to rock musician Shin Hae-chul.
Box Office Performance of Assassin(s)
Even as controversy and protests swirled around its historical framing, Assassin(s) continued steady commercial momentum. According to data from the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing network, the film crossed the 3.4 million admissions threshold, clearing its break-even point.
