Participants in the 2023 CICS pose after receiving the Korea Image Stepping Stone Bridge Award on behalf of Euro Fashion Houses in Seoul. From right are British Amb. Colin Crooks, EU Amb. Maria CASTILLO FERNÁNDEZ, France Amb. Philippe Lefort, and Italy Amb. Federico Failla. Photo by Yeo Hong-il/Korea News Plus

CICI celebrates 20th anniversary in Seoul

The Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) held the Korea Image Awards this week in Seoul, which also marked the 20th anniversary of the organization.

More than 60 diplomats took part in the 2023 edition of the annual event, according to the CICI Secretariat.

Included in the list were US Amb. Philip Goldbert, British Amb. Colin Crooks, EU Amb. Maria CASTILLO FERNÁNDEZ, France Amb. Philippe Lefort, and Italy Amb. Federico Failla.

Other envoys from the Seoul Diplomatic Corps also showed up from the Philippines, Ghana, Sudan, Egypt, Pakistan, Malaysia, Finland, Kuwait, New Zealand, and Singapore.

New Zealand Amb. Philip Tuner who is set to wrap up his diplomatic service soon in Korea, remarked in his toast remarks: “In a timing when Korean culture is sweeping all over the world, it was a very happy moment for me to have served as New Zealand top envoy in Korea over four and half years”.

Turner touched upon the fact that he served as a diplomat in three countries, including China, Japan, and Korea, adding such diplomatic careers will remain valuable assets in his life.

According to Amb. Turner, the CICI has been a kind guide role for him and his partner Mr. Hiroshi Ikeda to be acquainted with Korean society and culture.

According to the CICI Secretariat, the Korea Image Stepping Stone Awards is awarded to a Korean who contributed to promoting positive images of Korea around the world.

This year’s award went to Lee Jung Jae, who gave an astonishing performance in the global mega-hit “Squid Game” and who just made his directorial debut with his film “The Hunt.”

The Korea Image Cornerstone Award is awarded to a person who continuously contributed to promoting positive images of Korea to the world.

This year’s award was given to Yuna Kim, who mesmerized the world with her elegant performances and made history in Korea’s figure skating.

The Korea Image Budding Youth Award is awarded to a person under the age of 20 who promoted Korea’s image worldwide. This year’s award went to Hwang Sun-woo, a gold medalist in FINA World Swimming Championships and a two-times-in-a-row Asian record breaker.

The Korea Image Stepping Stone Bridge Award is awarded to a foreigner who acted as a bridge between Korea and the world.

This year’s award went to Euro Fashion Houses, which showcased genuine Korean beauty through European fashion.

British Amb. Colin Crooks, EU Amb. Maria CASTILLO FERNÁNDEZ, France Amb. Philippe Lefort, and Italy Amb. Federico Failla received The Korea Image Stepping Stone Bridge Award on behalf of Euro Fashion Houses on the stage, respectively.

The Live Auction was hosted by Joseph Young, the CEO of Komet. In addition, Guitarist Kwon Chung-goo & Vediani’s ensemble played songs at the 2023 Korea Image Awards.

이 기사를 공유합니다
Copyright © The Korea News Plus