[Edaily Starin, Reporter Choi Hee-jae ] Actor and singer Lee Jun-ho proved his popularity as a global star by receiving the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award.

Lee Jun-ho attended the “8th Newsis Hallyu Expo (2026 K-EXPO),” held on the 28th at the Crystal Ballroom of The Grand Lotte Seoul in Jung-gu, Seoul, and graced the event with his presence.
On that day, Lee Jun-ho had the honor of receiving the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award. “I am sincerely grateful for this meaningful award,” Lee Jun-ho said. “I simply pursued the music and acting I wanted to do, but it seems I’ve been fortunate enough to align with the positive trends of our time and gain a great opportunity to introduce K-culture to the world.”
He continued, “I will strive to become someone who can further spread awareness of the power of K-content through excellent works and music.”

He was recognized for his acting skills and star power, which captivated audiences both at home and abroad through his outstanding performances last year in tvN’s *Typhoon Company* and the Netflix series *Cashier*. He also demonstrated his strong global influence by meeting 85,000 fans at the “2PM Japan 15th Anniversary Concert THE RETURN in TOKYO DOME.”
Lee Jun-ho is set to return to the public eye with a diverse lineup of upcoming projects. First, in the Netflix variety show “The Crazy Ki-an-jang Season 2,” set to premiere on the 22nd of next month, he will transform into the “passionate new employee” at Ki-an-jang Branch 2. He will team up with Ki-an 84, Kim Yeon-kyung, and Kazuha to run a guesthouse.
He also plans to showcase a wide range of acting skills once again in the dramas “Viking” and “Foreign Embassies in Korea.” In “Vikings,” he will portray Han Ji-yeol, a cool-headed strategist and third-generation chaebol heir, while in “Foreign Embassies in Korea,” he will take on the role of Cha Yeon, the head of the world’s most mysterious embassy and a dragon. Expectations are high that he will showcase his versatility by seamlessly transitioning between these diverse characters across genres.