PSY, Kim Ki-duk to Receive Cultural Merit Honor from Government

PSY performs at the "2012 LOTTE NIGHT PARTY" held at the Lotte Hotel in Busan, South Korea, on October 6, 2012. [Lee Hye-ji/10Asia]

International star PSY and Venice-winning director Kim Ki-duk will be awarded a state order of cultural merit in this year alongside eight other winners. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said in a statement Monday that the "Gangnam Style" singer will receive the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the fourth highest medal among five grades of orders of cultural merit. In the meantime, “Pieta” director Kim will be honored with Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit, the second highest medal in the category. The film's male and female leads, Lee Jung-jin and Cho Min-soo, are also receiving the same honor as PSY.The officials explained the government has decided to confer the medals on PSY and the “Pieta” makers because of their contribution to enhancing the world's awareness of K-pop and Korea.Other winners include legendary scenarist Kim Soo-hyeon, singers Song Chang-shik, Geum Sa-hyang and veteran actress Na Moon-hee.Meanwhile, the award ceremony will be hosted at Seoul’s Olympics Park Olympic Hall in South Korea on November 19. The upcoming event will invite SHINee and miss A as guest performers, the statement said.

Cho Min-soo (left) and Lee Jung-jin (right) portray a mother and son in a Venice-winning film "Pieta," which opened in local theaters on September 6, 2012. [NEW]

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