Seo Seungwoo, Head of Busan Cinema Center, Receives Prime Minister's Award for Advancement of Culture and Arts Centers

Contribution to the Development of the Regional Arts and Culture Ecosystem

Seo Seungwoo, Head of the Performance Division at Busan Cinema Center, received the Prime Minister's Award in the Korea Culture and Arts Center Development category in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of cultural and arts centers in Korea.

Seungwoo Seo, Head of Performances at Busan Cinema Center (right), is receiving the Prime Minister's Award at the Korea Culture and Arts Development Awards ceremony held at the Seoul Arts Center Opera House on December 23, 2025. Photo by Yongjun Cho

The awards ceremony was held on December 23 at the Seoul Arts Center, attended by cultural and arts center professionals from across the country, as well as members of the cultural and arts community.

The Korea Culture and Arts Center Development Award is an honor organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and hosted by the Korea Culture and Arts Centers Association. It recognizes individuals who have contributed to on-site innovation and the development of local culture among arts center staff and cultural artists nationwide. The award was established in 2023.

Seo, who was selected as this year's recipient of the Prime Minister's Award, has worked in the performing arts field and public cultural institutions for over 22 years. He oversaw the preparations for the opening and subsequent operations of the Gimhae Arts and Sports Center, served as the opening performance director at the Busan Cinema Center, and currently holds the position of Head of the Performance Division.

Seo has been recognized for introducing a collaborative performance model that links corporate social responsibility initiatives with performing arts, as well as for expanding joint production and planning with local arts organizations, thereby revitalizing the regional performing arts ecosystem. While at the Busan Cinema Center, he also promoted the "Film and Drama Location Tour" project, which integrates performing arts, the film industry, and tourism.

Seo stated, "This achievement was made possible by the combined efforts of local artists, cultural administrators, and stage professionals," adding, "I will continue working to ensure that cultural and arts centers serve as cultural platforms that reflect the lives of citizens."