“Squid Game” director Hwang Dong-hyuk, celebrated Korean soprano Sumi Jo, global video streaming platform Netflix and Tokyo Olympics gold medal archer Kim Je-deok are the winners of the 18th Korea Image Award.

Director Hwang, who was behind the global Netflix sensation “Squid Game,” was awarded the Korea Image Stepping Stone Award for helping build a “stepping stone” for Korean contents to be recognized on the global stage, said Corea Image Communication Institute in announcing the winners Monday.

The Korea Image Stepping Stone Bridge Award will be awarded to Netflix for its contribution to introducing and promoting outstanding Korean projects to the international audience. According to CICI, Netflix allowed Korean cultural content to stand shoulder to shoulder with other productions on the global stage. Netflix’s Korean original series -- “D.P.,” “Squid Game,” “My Name,” “Hellbound” -- came in at the top on various ranking charts, including Netflix’s official weekly chart, viewership chart and more.


Sumi Jo, one of the most beloved sopranos in Korea, will receive the Korea Image Cornerstone Award for her dedication to boosting the country’s image throughout her 35-year career.

The Korea Image Budding Youth Award will be presented to Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Kim Je-deok. Kim, 17, the youngest on the men’s archery team, helped South Korea make history after winning two archery golds in the Olympics.

A nonprofit organization promoting Korea’s image abroad, CICI has sought to recognize individuals from various sectors in Korean society.

Singer Rain, golfer Pak Se-ri and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon are among the past winners of CICI’s Korea Image Awards.

The awards ceremony will be held on Jan. 12 at InterContinental Seoul Coex in southern Seoul.

By Lee Si-jin (sj_lee@heraldcorp.com)