Actor Jo Jung Suk received the prestigious Presidential Commendation at the '15th Republic of Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards' held on October 31 at the National Theater of Korea.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and highlights contributions to the growth of popular culture and the Korean Wave.

This award is the highest honor given by the government for achievements in popular culture and arts. It recognizes individuals who have helped raise the status of popular culture in Korea and contributed to its global spread.

Jo Jung Suk's win showcases his influence as an actor, both in Korea and internationally. The award is especially meaningful because it is based on a thorough evaluation by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which considers factors like public service, past achievements, contributions to the industry, and social reputation.

Although Jo Jung Suk could not attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts, he shared his acceptance speech via a video message.

He said, "I am truly honored to receive the Presidential Commendation. Thank you to everyone who loves popular culture. This motivates me to work even harder. I will strive to contribute more to the development of popular culture and arts in the future."

Since starting his career in the musical The Nutcracker in 2004, Jo Jung Suk has impressed audiences with his remarkable acting skills in various musicals, films like Architecture 101 and The Face Reader, and dramas such as Jealousy Incarnate and Hospital Playlist. He has earned the trust and love of the public.

Currently, Jo Jung Suk is busy filming his new movie Zombie Daughter.

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Actress Kang Ye Won got emotional as she opened up about why she took a break from broadcasting and why she’s finally giving love a chance.

On the March 3 episode of tvN STORY’s Can I Love Now?, Kang Ye Won made her debut as a new participant looking for romance.

During the broadcast, she revealed that negative online comments had deeply affected her. "I used to cry all the time reading comments. I get hurt easily. What might be a small wound for others feels like a huge blow to me," she shared, expressing the stress she faced from malicious remarks.

She also admitted that at one point, she wanted to leave everything behind. "I kept thinking, ‘How long do I have to keep working this hard?’ and it became overwhelming."

She added, "At one point, I thought, ‘I should just quit everything and move to the countryside,’ and that idea actually gave me peace," she confessed.

When it came to dating, Kang Ye Won shared that she had always been content watching others fall in love.

"It never worked out for me. I wasn’t the type to ask for introductions either. I just found comfort in living as an observer. Maybe it’s my fate. I’m fearful, and I lack courage. If I feel like someone might hurt me, I block them out from the start," she admitted.

However, the actress revealed that she ultimately joined Can I Love Now? for her father. "My dad was born in 1943. He had me late in life, and his health isn’t great."

She added, "I realized that if I continue living alone like this, I won’t be able to give my parents any hope until the moment they pass away," she said with tears in her eyes. "My perspective on life has changed. I no longer think just about myself, but about my parents."

Kang Ye Won’s heartfelt confession touched many viewers, leaving fans rooting for her to find happiness.

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