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| Chinese actress Tang Wei |
CICI honors three cultural promoters
By Chung Ah-young
Chinese actress Tang Wei, wife of Korean filmmaker Kim Tae-yong, said that she wants to connect movie fans in Korea and China.
"I am very honored as an actress to be loved by Korean fans," Tang told reporters Monday. She is in Seoul to receive the Korea Image Stepping Stone Bridge Award from the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI). The award recognizes exceptional achievements in spreading Korean culture to the world.
Along with Tang, leading Korean cosmetics company AmorePacific and teenage short track speed skating sensation Shim Suk-hee were recognized for promoting Korea's global image at CICI's 11th annual Korea Image Awards at the COEX InterContinental Hotel in Samseong-dong, Seoul.
"As a winner of the Stepping Stone Bridge Award, I want to connect movie fans through my roles in diverse films," she said.
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| Participants pose before the 11th annual Korea Image Awards ceremony organized by the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) at the COEX InterContinental Hotel in Samseong-dong, Seoul, Monday. They are, from left in first row, Didier Beltoise, CEO of Cs, a consultation firm; jazz vocalist Nah Youn-sun; AmorePacific CEO Suh Kyung-bae; former Prime Minister Han Seung-soo; CICI President Choi Jung-wha; Kim Dong-ho, chairman of the Presidential Committee for Cultural Enrichment; Choi Jong-il, Iconix Entertainment CEO. From left in second row are Ryu Jin, chairman and CEO of Poongsan Group; actor Ahn Sung-ki; Shim Suk-hee, triple medalist at the 2014 Winter Olympics in short track speed skating; Song Seung-hwan, PMC Production president; U.S. Ambassador to Korea Mark W. Lippert; Shim Jay-hyuk, vice chairman for Taekwang Industrial Co.; Rhee In-yong, president of Samsung Electronics; and 2008 Olympic weightlifting champion Jang Mi-ran. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul |
The 36-year-old added that with growing economic exchanges between the East and West, Western people are getting more curious about Asian culture. "I think more economic and cultural exchanges will contribute to creating good films," she said.
Tang rose to international stardom with "Lust, Caution" by Taiwanese-American director Ang Lee. She became widely known to Korean fans for her role in "Late Autumn" with Hyun Bin.
"I learned a lot from other actors and directors who worked with me. Now I can play the role of a stepping stone bridge in cooperation with my counterparts and other staff on the shoots," she said.
Tang was appointed as honorary ambassador for the Korean Film Festival in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and China in 2012.
She hosted the opening ceremony of the Busan International Film Festival in 2012 ― the first time for a foreigner ― in the festival's 17-year history.
"Although I am still new to Korea, I am trying to learn the language and culture whenever I visit here. I think Korea has kept traditions so well especially within family gatherings," she said.
CICI selected AmorePacific, led by CEO Suh Kyung-bae, for its Korea Image Stepping Stone Award. The cosmetics brand, best known for its popular lines Sulwhasoo, Iope, Hera and Etude, was founded in 1954. The company was acknowledged for its contribution to sharing Korean beauty products with the world.
Korean speed skater Shim Suk-hee received the Korea Image Budding Youth Award. The teen skater won a gold, silver and bronze at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
Former Prime Minister Han Seung-soo; U.S. Ambassador to Korea Mark W. Lippert; Kim Dong-ho, chairman of the Presidential Committee for Cultural Enrichment; Song Seung-hwan, PMC Production president; actor Ahn Sung-ki; and jazz vocalist Nah Youn-sun attended the event.
Traditional Korean musical instruments band Dulsori and performers from the French musical "Notre Dame de Paris" performed during the awards ceremony.
Previous prize awardees of the Stepping Stone Award were Samsung Electronics' Galaxy smartphone (2014), rap singer Psy (2013), PyeongChang Winter Olympics Organizing Committee (2012), Incheon International Airport (2011), Busan International Film Awards (2010), and singer Rain, conductor Chung Myung-whun, Cheonggye Stream and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
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