Yoo Hae-jin’s roller-coaster 2026: Presidential Commendation after police protection is lifted

[Financial News] 



After receiving widespread love from the public in the first half of this year for the 10-million-viewer hit The King's Warden, Yoo Hae-jin was swept up in controversy over historical distortion surrounding Assassin(s) in the second half, and even ended up under personal protection. But he has now capped the roller-coaster ride with a Presidential Commendation. This is the story of actor Yoo Hae-jin, who has spent the past few months feeling as though he were on a roller coaster.
Yoo Hae-jin received a Presidential Commendation at the 17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards ceremony, held at the Haeoreum Grand Theater of the National Theater of Korea in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 29th. It was his first official public appearance since police protection was lifted.
According to sources in the culture and arts community on the 29th, Yoo Hae-jin, who took the stage that day in a black suit, said, “I’m truly grateful for such a great award,” and added, “I think The King's Warden had a great deal to do with my receiving this award.” He continued, “I think the only way I can repay you is to meet you, the audience, through works like The King's Warden and other good films. I’ll do my best.”
That day, Yoo Hae-jin received a Presidential Commendation along with actors Ryu Seung-ryong and So Ji-sub, director Jang Hang-jun, music director Kang Seung-won, band Boohwal, and group Super Junior.
Since April, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has identified award candidates through public nominations and expert recommendations, then comprehensively assessed the length of their contributions, records of activities at home and abroad, contributions to related industries, and social contributions. It selected a total of 36 individuals and teams: 10 recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit, seven recipients of Presidential Commendations, eight recipients of Prime Minister’s Commendations, and 11 recipients of commendations from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit was awarded posthumously to singer Shin Hae-chul. The Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit was presented to performance producer Park Myeong-seong; voice actor Young-nam Park, who has voiced Audition 109 and other characters; musician Shin Kwan-woong, who has long been a mainstay of Korea’s jazz scene; comedian Yoo Jae-suk; and singer Han Young-ae.
All four members of BLACKPINK—Rosé, Lisa, Jennie, and Jisoo—received the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit as the group marked its 10th anniversary since debut.
[email protected] Shin Jin-a Reporter