I can now understand the meaning of Korean Jeong. I appreciate the love and support given to me in Korea.
Chef Edward Lee (Korean name Lee Kyun), who was the runner-up in last year's 'Black and White Chef,' expressed his feelings upon receiving the Bridge Award at the 'Korea Image Awards 2025' ceremony held on the 15th at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, Seoul.
He showcased creative Korean cuisine using Korean ingredients, emphasizing that food can be a medium to convey the spirit and culture of Koreans, and played a bridging role in widely sharing the sensibility and depth of Korean culture with the world.
On this day, Edward Lee spoke to his mother, Lee Soon-ja, who came to Korea to attend the ceremony, saying, "The person I especially want to thank is my mother." He continued, "She raised me to be a strong person and always showed me how to overcome difficulties with resilience," adding, "I have eaten Korean food my whole life, and Korean food is my identity itself."
On this day, men's fencing two-time gold medalist Oh Sang-wook and table tennis bronze medalist Shin Yu-bin also received the 21st Korea Image Award presented by the Korea Image Communication Institute (CICI).
The Korea Image Award is given by CICI to individuals who have promoted Korea's image to the world.
The Bridge Award, given to those who have played a stepping stone role in enhancing Korea's status globally, was awarded to fencing athlete Oh Sang-wook, the gold medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Oh stated, "While competing in the Olympics, I didn't think of being the first in Asia. After the match, I was told, 'You are the first in Asia,' but because I didn't have that thought, I was able to compete without pressure." He added, "I am even more pleased to receive congratulations at this event with representatives from various countries."
The Flower Stone Award, given to individuals who have enhanced Korea's image, was awarded to table tennis player Shin Yu-bin. Shin stated, "I still feel insufficient, but I am grateful to think that this valuable result can help promote South Korea," adding, "I will work harder in the future to promote South Korea."
About 500 attendees joined the event, including government officials such as public diplomacy ambassador Hong Seok-in, business leaders like CJ Group Chairman Son Kyung-sik, and diplomatic envoys from approximately 60 countries. British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks, French Ambassador to South Korea Philippe Bertoux, Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Mizushima, and UAE Ambassador to South Korea Abdulla Salem al Nuaimi were present to grace the occasion.
CICI Director Choi Jung-hwa noted, "The commonality between sports and food is that they bring joy through togetherness," adding, "I once again thank Oh Sang-wook, Shin Yu-bin, and Chef Edward Lee for providing the joy of togetherness."