Late Kim Min-ki Honored with Seoul City Culture Award
On November 22, 2024, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that the late Kim Min-ki (故 김민기), former head of Hakjeon, is among the 12 recipients of the '73rd Seoul City Culture Award' for his significant contributions to the development of culture and arts in Seoul.
Established in 1948, the Seoul City Culture Award has been presented annually, with the exception of the Korean War period.
This year's awards were based on nominations collected from June 17 to August 16, with 62 candidates across 10 categories. A preliminary review committee of 50 members selected the nominees, and the final awardees were determined through online public voting and evaluations by a formal review committee.
Kim Min-ki was recognized in the theater category for his dedication to the development of small theater culture and children's and youth plays. The Seoul government highlighted his commitment to establishing the popular value of performing arts through works that convey social messages, significantly contributing to the advancement of the theater scene in South Korea.
In the literature category, Professor Lee Seung-ha from Chung-Ang University was honored for his contributions to Korean literature over the past 40 years through numerous poetry and critique collections. He has also implemented poetry therapy programs in prisons and juvenile facilities, promoting literature's role in human rights protection and social engagement.
The award for the visual arts category went to Professor Jeong Seung-ho from Seoul Arts University, who has elevated the standards of performing arts through his innovative designs in theater, musicals, and operas over the past three decades.
In the traditional music category, Professor Heo Yoon-jeong from Seoul National University, the youngest recipient of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 16 for geomungo sanjo, was recognized for her efforts in modernizing and promoting traditional music, as well as nurturing young traditional musicians.
Other awardees include Emeritus Professor Kang Soon-mi from Sungshin Women's University (Western Music), Professor Ahn Byeong-joo from Kyung Hee University (Dance), Yu Ja-ya, director of the Glass Art Museum (Cultural Arts Support), So So Han Communication (Reading Culture), and Koo Hye-ja, director of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Association (Cultural Heritage).
Newly established this year, the Emerging Artist category recognized Lee Dan-bi (Literature), Balt Ensemble (Western Music), and Kim Ro-wan (Theater) as awardees.
