Veteran actor Namgung Won, one of the most prominent Korean film stars from the 1960s to ’80s, on Thursday received the Order of Cultural Merit, Silver Crown, the second highest medal awarded to those who have significantly contributed to the cultural development of the country.

“I am proud that I was able to devote my youth to acting during the 1960s, a time when Korean popular culture and film blossomed. I miss those times,” Namgung told The Korea Herald ahead of the awards ceremony, held Thursday at the National Theater of Korea in Jung-gu, central Seoul.

Comedian Nam Bo-won, actress Kim Ji-mi and singer Tae Jin-ah were also among the recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit, Silver Crown, the highest honor among the Popular Culture Artistry Awards.

Some 30 cultural figures are presented with the annual Popular Culture Artistry Awards, created by the Cultural Ministry to boost popular culture.

Namgung debuted in 1958 in the film “When the Night Comes Again” and has since led a prolific career, starring in some 400 films encompassing all genres, from action and romance to historical drama.

Often dubbed “Korea’s Gregory Peck” for his charismatic features, the 82-year-old actor has received some 20 awards for his craft at international film festivals throughout Asia and in Spain, as well as the Seoul City Culture Award in 1993.

His films also paved the way for the global spread of Korean cinema. In the 1960s, works such as “Princess Dalgi,” in which Namgung starred, were some of the first movies to be exported to China.

As an adjunct professor of drama and film at Hanyang University, Park has also lent his efforts to fostering the next generation of performers in Korea.

“It is the first time that I am receiving an Order of Merit, which I think is significant,” Namgung noted.

He thanked the awards’ host for “giving encouragement to an old actor quietly living out his later years.”

“I am pleased because it feels like a recognition of a life well lived,” he added.

During his acceptance speech at the ceremony, Namgung thanked those who “pinned this honorable, shining badge on the chest of an actor in his sunset years.” Culture Minister Cho Yoon-sun presented the medal.

“Acting is a profession that lives on the audience’s affections,” he added. “I would like to direct this honor and happiness to all those who have shown love and support for me over the course of hundreds of films in the past 60 years.

“I would like to dedicate this medal to my wife, who has quietly supported me all my life,” he said.

Other recipients of this year’s Popular Culture Artistry Awards are as follows: actor Song Joong-ki and actress Song Hye-kyo, who starred in “Descendants of the Sun,” along with scriptwriter Kim Eun-sook who received the President’s Award, as did singer BoA.

The Prime Minister’s Award went to eight recipients, including actor Cho Jin-woong, K-pop star G-Dragon and boy band SHINee. Boy band BTS, musical actress Ok Ju-hyun and seven others received the Culture Minister’s Award.

By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com)