Leading Figures Acknowledged at 2024 Visionary Awards and Open House

Courtesy of CJ ENM

In a recent ceremony at the CJ ENM Center in western Seoul, seven visionaries were honored for their influence in various domains of the entertainment industry. The event, held on Sunday, showcased figures excelling in acting, webcomics, dance, K-pop, and content directing.

Lee Mi-kyoung, Vice Chairperson of CJ Group's entertainment and media division, highlighted the challenges faced by Korean content in the rapidly evolving landscape of mass media and the global economic downturn. She emphasized the need for diverse experiences to enhance the sustainability of Korean content. 

▲ Courtesy of CJ ENMThe honorees include webcomic artist Kang Full, director Kim Yong-hoon of the Netflix series "Mask Girl," actor Ryu Seung-ryong featured in Disney+'s "Moving," and Monika, a dancer from the all-female dance crew Prowdmon. Actress Uhm Jeong-hwa, known for the 2023 comedy film "Miss Fortune," K-pop boy band Stray Kids, and actress Song Hye-kyo from Netflix's "The Glory" were also among the recognized visionaries.

CEO Koo Chang-gun emphasized that being selected as a visionary marks the beginning of a new phase for these individuals, urging them to continue challenging themselves in their creative careers. He expressed hope that the award would spark productive discussions and contribute to shaping a new vision for K-entertainment in the coming year.

Preceding the award ceremony, CJ ENM hosted the 2024 Visionary Conference on Friday. The conference covered insights into the future of the entertainment industry, featuring sessions on trends, entertainment technology, and inspiration. Panelists included illustrator Baek Hee-na, the 2020 winner of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, who argued that AI cannot surpass human creative ingenuity. Kim Yong-hoon, the creator of "Mask Girl," shared his perspective on the importance of courage in creative endeavors.

The recognition of these visionaries and the insightful discussions at the conference reflect CJ ENM's commitment to navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving landscape of the Korean entertainment industry.

Sayart

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com