Osang-wook, Edward Lee, and Shin Yu-bin (from left). Provided by CICI.
Fencing national team member Osang-wook, Korean-American chef Edward Lee, and table tennis national team member Shin Yu-bin have been selected as recipients of the ‘Korea Image Awards 2025.’
The Korea Image Communication Institute (CICI, chaired by Choi Jung-hwa) announced the recipients of the ‘Korea Image Awards 2025’ on the 11th. Additionally, they will pay special homage to Korean literature translators due to author Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in Literature win.
Osang-wook receives the ‘Stepping Stone Award,’ which is given to Koreans and companies that contribute to promoting Korea’s image worldwide. He was recognized for his achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he became the first Korean to win both the team event and individual sabre event, showcasing the strength of Korean fencing globally.
Chef Edward Lee, who was the runner-up on the Netflix cooking competition ‘The Final Table,’ receives the ‘Bridge Award,’ granted to foreigners who act as bridges to promote Korea globally. He demonstrated the potential of Korean ingredients in creative Korean cuisine, showing that food can convey philosophy and culture beyond taste, which he introduced to the world.
Shin Yu-bin receives the ‘Peony Award,’ given to those who significantly enhance Korea’s image worldwide, after winning two bronze medals in mixed doubles and women’s team table tennis events at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A special video tribute will also honor Korean literature translators, who are the hidden contributors in promoting the uniqueness, emotion, and depth of Korean literature to the world, in light of Han Kang’s Nobel Prize achievement.
Each year, the Korea Image Communication Institute honors individuals, objects, and organizations that advance Korea’s image. The award ceremony will take place on January 15, 2025, at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, Seoul.