Seoul: The culture ministry has awarded the Eungwan (Silver) Order of Cultural Merit to iconic theater actor Yoon Seok-hwa, who died late last year, sources said Thursday. The ministry posthumously presented the second-highest class of the country's cultural decoration to her family during a ceremony held last week.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the move came about six months after the ministry said it would seek to honor Yoon Seok-hwa, in recognition of her contributions to the theater scene. Born in Seoul in 1956, Yoon made her debut in the 1975 play "Honey Taste."

Yoon Seok-hwa underwent surgery for a malignant brain tumor in October 2022 and died in December 2025 at the age of 69. Her contributions to the arts have left a lasting impact, and the posthumous award acknowledges her significant influence in the field of theater.