Ryu Si-won Awarded Japan’s Medal of Honor

Hallyu star Ryu Si-won was awarded a Japanese Emperor’s Medal of Honor on Tuesday at Niikata Prefecture. Ryu was honored for making a large contribution to the prefecture, which suffered extensive damages from an earthquake last year. Together with the Medal of Honor with dark blue ribbon, he also received a plaque of appreciation from the head of Niikata Prefecture.

Ryu said he just wanted to help out the residents of Niikata, where he held a concert in 2006. He added that he’s glad to have given even a little bit of hope and comfort to earthquake victims.

The Medal of Honor with dark blue ribbon is given to individuals who have made exceptionally generous financial contributions for the wellbeing of the public. A total of 23 medals were awarded in relation to the Niikata earthquake, but 22 of them were for businesses and organizations and Ryu is the only individual given the honor.

Right after the concert at the Niikata Prefecture Civic Center, Ryu will move to Matsuyama to hold his sixth concert. He will wrap up his concert tour in Japan on August 21st at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.