Three years ago, when I took part in producing "K-pop Demon Hunters (Kedeheon)," I did not expect a global response. I am honored to help promote Korean music through an animation infused with Korean culture.
Jeong Gyeong-in, head of The Black Label, shared these remarks after receiving the Stepping Stone Award at the Korea Image Awards 2025 ceremony on the 15th at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
The Black Label was recognized for contributing to the globalization of K-pop, including participating in producing the music (OST) for the Netflix animation "K-pop Demon Hunters," which aired last year.
Jeong said, "Overseas K-pop consumers go beyond listening to music to share what idols wear, eat, and enjoy as hobbies," adding, "K-pop Demon Hunters will be an even greater driver. We are also considering what challenges to take on from that perspective."
On this day, Kim Jung-soo, vice chairman of Samyang Foods, received the Pebble Award in recognition of introducing "Buldak spicy ramyeon" to the world. Buldak spicy ramyeon has captivated global palates with its intense heat and, through social media (SNS) challenges, has cemented its status as a symbol of K-food culture and K-spiciness.
Kim said, "The product that helped Samyang Foods rise above adversity was Buldak spicy ramyeon," adding, "Leading the brand with a consumer-first principle was the key to growth." He said, "Together with all corporations producing K-food, we will strive to become the leading name in flavors that move the hearts of people around the world."
The "gat" was selected as the symbol embodying Korea's unique beauty and craftsmanship. Reinterpreted in K-pop and drama, it received high marks for presenting the potential to spread Korean culture as a K-heritage icon.
On this day, actor and writer Cha In-pyo received the representative award for his upright writer's spirit representing the "gat," for re-highlighting modern Korean history to the world, and for demonstrating sincerity through acting and sharing and volunteer work.
Actor and writer Cha said, "The gat looks light, but the moment you wear it, your actions become constrained. It is not an ornament, but perhaps a tool that makes the wearer reflect on the heart and consider their attitude," adding, "The reason the world looks at the gat our ancestors wore in the past is because of the attitude and spirit it embodies."
The Korea Image Awards is a prize that the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) has presented annually since 2005 to people and corporations who have promoted Korea to the world. The Stepping Stone Award is given to Koreans and corporations who elevate Korea's image; the Flint Award goes to people and objects that spark awareness of Korea worldwide; and the Pebble Award is presented to corporations (products) and organizations that, coming together in harmony, have conveyed Korea's appeal to the world.
About 400 people attended the event, including Ryu Jin, chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries, Sohn Kyung-shik, chairman of the Korea Enterprises Federation, French Ambassador Philippe Bertoux, British Ambassador Colin Crooks, actor Park Joong-hoon, and chef Edward Lee.