I did not expect a global response when I took part in the production of "K-pop Demon Hunters (Kedeheon)" three years ago. I am honored to help introduce Korean music through an animation infused with Korea's culture.
Jeong Kyung-in, CEO of The Black Label, shared these remarks after receiving the Stepping Stone Award at the Korea Image Awards 2025 ceremony held on the 15th at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
The Black Label was recognized for contributing to the mainstreaming of K-pop worldwide by participating in the production of the soundtrack (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 driving force. We are also considering what challenges to pursue from that perspective."
On the day, Vice Chairman Kim Jung-soo of Samyang Foods was given the Pebble Award for helping make "Buldak spicy ramyeon" known worldwide. With its intense spiciness, Buldak spicy ramyeon has captivated palates around the globe and, through social media (SNS) challenges, has become a symbol of K-food culture's spread and K spiciness.
Vice Chairman Kim said, "The product that helped Samyang Foods rise again against adversity is indeed Buldak spicy ramyeon," adding, "Leading the brand with a consumer-first principle was the secret to growth." Kim said, "Together with all corporations producing K-food, we will strive to become a leading name in flavors that move people around the world."
The "gat" was chosen as the symbol embodying Korea's unique beauty and craftsmanship. Reinterpreted in K-pop and drama, it was highly rated for presenting the potential to spread K heritage and culture.
On the day, actor and writer Cha In-pyo was honored as the representative recipient for his upright artistic spirit representing the "gat," his reexamination of Korea's modern history for the world, and his genuine acting and charitable work.
Actor and writer Cha said, "A gat looks light, but the moment you wear it, your actions face constraints. It may not be a mere ornament, but a tool that prompts the wearer to reflect 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 individuals and corporations that have promoted Korea to the world. The Stepping Stone Award goes to Koreans and corporations that have elevated Korea's image, the Flint Award goes to symbols embodying Korea's unique beauty and craftsmanship, and the Pebble Award goes to icons that have promoted Korea's style and tradition.
Attending the event were Korea Enterprises Federation Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, France's Ambassador Philippe Lefort, Japan's Ambassador Mizushima Koichi, actor Park Joong-hoon, chef Edward Lee and more than 4,000 others, who graced the occasion.