Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) President Choi Jung-hwa, third from left, poses with Korea Image Award recipients fencer Oh Sang-uk, left, table tennis player Shin Yu-bin, second from left, and chef Edward Lee during the Korea Image Awards ceremony at a hotel in Seoul's Gangnam District, Wednesday. Courtesy of CICI

Fencing star Oh Sang-uk, table tennis prodigy Shin Yu-bin and chef Edward Lee of the sensational Netflix series "Culinary Class Wars" were celebrated Wednesday at the 21st Korea Image Awards for their contributions to enhancing Korea's global reputation.

The Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) hosted the awards ceremony at a hotel in Seoul's Gangnam District, recognizing the achievements of champion athletes and culinary stars over the past year.

The CICI, led by Choi Jung-hwa, has held the annual awards since 2005, inviting diplomats, business leaders and public figures to honor individuals, organizations and creations that embody and promote Korea's cultural essence. The awards are designed to instill pride in Koreans and introduce foreign audiences to the heart of Korean culture.

The Stepping Stone Award, given to those who have significantly elevated Korea's image throughout the year, was awarded to Oh, a two-time fencing gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Fencer Oh Sang-uk, left, accepts his Stepping Stone Award during the Korea Image Awards ceremony at a hotel in Seoul's Gangnam District, Wednesday. Courtesy of Corea Image Communication Institute

"I didn't expect such a grand event," Oh said, accepting his award. "I'm grateful to everyone from around the world who came to celebrate. I see this award as encouragement to achieve even greater success."

In a brief interview on stage, Oh reflected on the focus that helped him secure his victories.

"In fencing, we compete on a metallic floor and I concentrate solely on that space, blocking out everything else. That focus has been the key to success. I've always believed that if you can't concentrate in small moments, you won't succeed in larger ones."

Oh added that his goal at the Olympics was not to make history as Asia's first fencing double gold medalist but simply to perform his best.

"I only learned about the title after the games. Since then, I've been given many nicknames and I'll work hard to earn even more in the future," he said.

Star chef Edward Lee receives his Stepping Stone Bridge Award during the Korea Image Awards at a hotel in Seoul's Gangnam District, Wednesday. Courtesy of Corea Image Communication Institute

Korean American chef Lee received the Stepping Stone Bridge Award for his role in connecting global audiences to Korean culture through his achievements in "Culinary Class Wars," a megahit Netflix series premiered in September 2024.

"Thank you. It's an honor to receive this award and share this moment with all of you," the 52-year-old chef said in halting but heartfelt Korean, describing Korean food as his "whole identity."

"Over the past few months, I've come to understand who Lee Kyun (Lee's Korean name) is, as a Korean. So many people have supported me and now I understand the meaning of 'jeong' (Korean concept of affection and closeness)," Lee said.

The chef credited his mother, also present at the event, for much of his success.

"My mother raised me to be strong. I've learned so much from her. I hope she can be proud of me. This is our first trip to Korea together and it's been a truly special and unforgettable experience. I'm thankful to everyone who made this possible," Lee said.

Table tennis prodigy Shin Yu-bin, left, receives her Flowerstone Award during the Korea Image Awards at a hotel in Seoul's Gangnam District, Wednesday. Courtesy of Corea Image Communication Institute

Shin Yu-bin, who won bronze in the table tennis mixed doubles and women's team events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, received the Flowerstone Award, which honors those with growing potential to further promote Korea's cultural excellence.

"It's an incredible honor," Shin said. "Though my achievements are modest, I'm grateful they've contributed to promoting Korea. I'll continue striving to represent Korea on the global stage."

The CICI additionally honored translators who brought Korean literature to the global stage, highlighting their contributions to Han Kang's historic Nobel Prize win in October 2024 as a special homage this year.

The event drew prominent names, including Federation of Korean Industries Chairman Ryu Jin, Korea Enterprises Federation Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, British Ambassador Colin Crooks, French Ambassador Philippe Bertoux, Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Hong Seok-in and Samyang Group Chairman Kim Yoon.

The evening concluded with a performance from "Nanta," the renowned Korean nonverbal cooking-themed stage show, and songs by French Korean singer-songwriter U.BAR.E., to celebrate the honorees' achievements.