Jeong Gwancheol, Torchlight of Bocheonbo, 1948 (Image from North Korean Art Museum published by Chosŏn hwaposa, 1980), MMCA Art Research Center Collection, Gift of Kim Boggi
The title of Inmin Yesulga, or People's Artist was established in 27 July 1961 by order of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The title is bestowed upon artists working in the fields of painting, sculpture, songwriting, and crafts, who have armed themsevles with the ideology of the Worker's Party, realized Juche arts and culture ideological goals, and contributed to the development of socialist culture and arts. In North Korea, there are 11 ranks: nonranked, rank 8 to rank 1, Artist of Merit, and People's Artist. These ranks were established to strengthen the ideological beliefs of North Korean artists, and they are paid differently depending on rank. Of these, the title of People's Artist is the most prestigious, and they are given state awards. The first artist to receive the title is Jeong Gwancheol, who served as commissioner of the Korean Artist Federation (Joseon misulga dongmaeng). Afterwards, numerous artists including Chung Chong-you and Woo Chi-seon received the title.
* Source: Multilingual Glossary of Korean Art by Korea Arts Management Service
