CICI honors sports and culinary stars for elevating Korea's global reputation at the Korea Image Awards

Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) President Choi Jung-hwa, third from left, poses with Korea Image Award recipient Oh Sang-uk, left, table tennis player Shin Yu-bin, second from left, and Chef Edward Lee during the Korea Image Awards ceremony at a hotel in Seoul's Gangnam district on Wednesday. Thanks to CICI

CICI honors sports and culinary stars for elevating the country's global reputation

By Pyo Kyung-min

Fencer Oh Sang-uk, table tennis prodigy Shin Yu-bin and chef Edward Lee of the sensational Netflix series 'Culinary Class Wars' were recognized for their contributions to improving global reputation at the 21st Korea Image Awards on Wednesday of Korea.

The Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) hosted the awards ceremony at a hotel in Seoul's Gangnam district to recognize the achievements of champion athletes and culinary stars from the past year.

The CICI, led by Choi Jung-hwa, has been organizing the annual awards since 2005, inviting diplomats, business leaders and public figures to honor individuals, organizations and creations that embody and promote the cultural essence of Korea. The awards are intended to make Koreans proud and introduce foreign audiences to the heart of Korean culture.

The Stepping Stone Award, which is given to those who have significantly elevated Korea's image throughout the year, was given to Oh, a two-time gold medalist in fencing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Fencer Oh Sang-uk, left, receives his Stepping Stone Award during the Korea Image Awards ceremony at a hotel in Seoul's Gangnam District on Wednesday. Courtesy of the Corea Image Communication Institute

“I didn't expect such a grand event,” Oh said as he accepted his award. “I am grateful to everyone from all over the world who came to celebrate. I see this award as an encouragement to achieve even greater success.”

In a brief on-stage interview, Oh reflected on the focus that helped him secure his wins.

“In fencing we compete on a metal floor and I focus solely on that space, blocking out everything else. That focus has been the key to success. I've always believed that if you can't focus on small moments, you It doesn't work in bigger ones.”

Oh added that his goal at the Olympics was not to make history as Asia's first double gold medalist, but simply to do his best.

“I only heard about the title after the games. Since then, I have been given many nicknames and I will work hard to earn more in the future,” he said.

Star chef Edward Lee will receive his Stepping Stone Bridge Award during the Korea Image Awards on Wednesday at a hotel in Seoul's Gangnam District. Courtesy of the Corea Image Communication Institute

Korean-American Chef Lee received the Stepping Stone Bridge Award for his role in connecting global audiences to Korean culture through his performance in “Culinary Class Wars,” a megahit Netflix series that premiered in September 2024 .

“Thank you. It's an honor to receive this award and share this moment with all of you,” the 52-year-old chef said in hesitant but sincere Korean, describing Korean food as his “whole identity.”

“Over the past few months, I have come to understand who Lee Kyun (Lee's Korean name) is, as a Korean. So many people have supported me and now I understand the meaning of 'jeong' (Korean concept of affection and closeness),” Lee said.

The chef credited much of his success to his mother, who was also at the event.

“My mother raised me to be strong. I have learned so much from her. I hope she can be proud of me. This is our first trip together to Korea and it was truly a special and unforgettable experience. I am grateful to her everyone who made this possible,” said Lee.

Table tennis prodigy Shin Yu-bin (left) receives her Flowerstone Award during the Korea Image Awards at a hotel in Seoul's Gangnam District on Wednesday. Courtesy of the Corea Image Communication Institute

Shin Yu-bin, who won bronze in the table tennis mixed doubles and women's team events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, received the Flowerstone Award, an award that honors those with growing potential to further promote Korea's cultural excellence.

“It's an incredible honor,” Shin said. “Although my achievements are modest, I am grateful that they have helped promote Korea. I will continue to strive to represent Korea on the world stage.”

The CICI additionally honored translators who brought Korean literature to the world stage, highlighting their contributions to Han Kang's historic Nobel Prize win in October 2024 as a special tribute this year.

The event attracted prominent names including Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries Ryu Jin, Chairman of the Korea Enterprises Federation Sohn Kyung-shik, British Ambassador Colin Crooks, French Ambassador Philippe Bertoux, Vice Minister of Public Diplomacy Hong Seok-in and Samyang Group Chairman Kim Yoon.

The evening concluded with a performance of “Nanta,” the well-known Korean non-verbal cooking-themed show, and songs by French-Korean singer-songwriter U.BAR.E., to celebrate the winners' achievements.