Diverse Achievements Recognized in Cars, Architecture, Popera, and Traditional Korean Music

Courtesy of CICI

The 20th annual Korea Image Awards 2024, organized by the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI), celebrated outstanding contributions in various fields at the InterContinental Seoul Coex hotel in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. 

▲ Courtesy of CICIThe CICI, established in 2003 and affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focuses on promoting Korean culture abroad and researching Korea's international image.

Awardees:

Genesis (Korea Image Stepping Stone Award): Hyundai Motor's upscale division, Genesis, received recognition for both quantitative and qualitative growth. Having sold over 1 million units, the brand's SUV models earned the U.S. Top Safety Pick+ Award in August.

Mario Botta (Korea Image Stepping Stone Bridge Award): Swiss architect Mario Botta, renowned for designing Korean landmarks such as the Leeum Museum of Art and the Kyobo Tower, was acknowledged for his significant contributions.

Lim Hyung-joo (Korea Image Capstone Award): Pop-opera tenor Lim Hyung-joo, recognized as the "pioneer of Asian Popera," received acclaim for his 21 solo albums dominating the classic album sales charts and his global recognition by CNN.

Laure Mafo (Korea Image Flowerstone Award): French pansori singer Laure Mafo, residing in Korea since 2015, was honored for promoting traditional Korean narrative singing worldwide through performances and television appearances.

The Korea Image Awards acknowledges individuals and organizations for their efforts in enhancing Korea's global image. Notable guests at the event included politician Kim Han-gil, CJ Group Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, JoongAng Holdings Chairman Hong Seok-hyun, Singaporean Ambassador to Korea Eric Teo, and Swiss Ambassador to Korea Dagmar Schmidt Tartagli.

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