 It was rumored in 2010 that football coach Kim Jong-hun's award was rescinded for losing a game against Portugal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.Cho Dae-won became the first "baduk" (Go) player to receive the award in October 2013.

, a People's Athlete is paid a 200-won monthly wage.The sum is far greater than that of an ordinary office worker who was typically paid around 70 won.