SEVENTEEN added a government honor to their decade-long legacy as Jeonghan and Wonwoo stepped onto the National Theater of Korea stage to accept the group’s Presidential Commendation at the 16th Korea Popular Culture & Arts Awards (KCAPA). The duo, currently serving in the military, received permission to attend and represented the full team with a short, heartfelt speech that doubled as a thank-you to CARATs worldwide.
What the award means
The Presidential Commendation is one of South Korea’s official state honors for artists who have significantly advanced the nation’s pop culture. It sits just below the Cultural Merit decorations and is conferred at KCAPA by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism alongside the Korea Creative Content Agency. This year’s ceremony also spotlighted major cultural figures across fields—from idol pioneers to comedians—underscoring the award’s cross-industry weight.
The moment on stage
Jeonghan and Wonwoo accepted the plaque on SEVENTEEN’s behalf and referenced the group’s 10th debut anniversary in their remarks, noting gratitude to fans and acknowledging members who were overseas. The clip made the rounds among fan accounts, including a light, slightly mismatched take on the group’s classic “Say the name, SEVENTEEN!” greeting—an unscripted beat that only amplified the warmth of the moment.
Military service, public duty, and pop culture
Because both representatives are enlisted, their attendance required coordination with the Military Manpower Administration—another reminder of how state institutions increasingly recognize the market and diplomatic value of K-pop’s global reach. Approval to attend a cultural state ceremony signals that honors at this level are viewed as part of national cultural diplomacy, not just entertainment news.
Why this matters for SEVENTEEN’s legacy
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A state-level stamp on a global run: The commendation codifies what charts, tours, and festival headlines have shown for years—that SEVENTEEN are key exporters of contemporary Korean culture.
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A perfect 10-year bookmark: Receiving the plaque during their 10th anniversary era gives fans and media a clean narrative arc from trainees to cultural contributors.
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Continuity through enlistment: The two-member appearance kept the group visible during staggered service—a smart reputational move that also respects public duty.
The red carpet & the zoom
Press photos captured Jeonghan and Wonwoo on the carpet before the ceremony, sharing the frame (and headlines) with other top names and government officials. Inside, the program moved between categories and commendations, reflecting KCAPA’s remit to honor the breadth of popular arts.
A night that mapped the wider culture
KCAPA often doubles as a snapshot of the year’s cultural currents. In 2025, that picture included everything from idol juggernauts to legacy acts, with G-Dragon taking the Ok-gwan Cultural Merit—Korea’s highest popular-culture decoration—illustrating the spectrum of state recognition that now spans multiple generations of K-pop.
Fan reaction
CARATs flooded timelines with acceptance clips and translations, praising the calm confidence of the duo and reveling in the nostalgic greeting flub. The tone was unmistakably celebratory: pride in the state honor, affection for Wonwoo and Jeonghan’s chemistry, and anticipation for the full team’s post-service chapter.
Bottom line
SEVENTEEN’s Presidential Commendation is more than a trophy—it’s an official acknowledgment that the group’s artistry and global footprint have become part of South Korea’s cultural brand. Jeonghan and Wonwoo’s brief but resonant appearance gave the honor a human face, carrying the group’s story—and CARATs’ support—onto a national stage.
