Six named Sejong Munhwasang winners

Peter Bartholomew, chairman of Royal Asiatic Society’s Korea branch; SBS TV drama, “Deep Rooted Tree,” and four other figures were named the Sejong Munhwasang (Sejong cultural award) winners by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sports on Thursday.

Bartholomew was recognized as a passionate advocate for the preservation of Korean traditional houses while Professor Toh Soo-hee of Chungnam National University won the prize for his 40-year study of the language of Baekje (BC18-660). Cellist Chang Han-na, who rose to international fame after winning the prestigious Rostropovich International Cello Competition at age 11, was named for her dedication to holding charity concerts and offering music training to teenagers.

Singer Kim Jang-hoon was acknowledged for donating over 13 billion won to charity and promoting the easternmost islets of Dokdo as Korean territory. Maubub Alam Pollob, a Bangladesh-native actor and director, was noted for his focus on migrant workers and minorities in the country.

SBS TV drama, “Deep Rooted Tree” was named the special award winner for its promotion of Hangeul, or the Korean writing system.

The award ceremony will be held at the National Theater on Monday.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)