PHOTOS Jazz singer, K-pop writer, SK Telecom win Korea Image Awards

From left, SK Telecom Vice President Yoo Young-sang, jazz vocalist Nah Youn-sun, CICI President Choi Jung-wha and Billboard columnist Jeff Benjamin. Yonhap

By Dong Sun-hwa

Jazz vocalist Nah Youn-sun, Billboard K-pop columnist Jeff Benjamin and mobile carrier SK Telecom won Korea Image Awards for enhancing Korea's national image.

Nah won the Korea Image Fire Stone Award for spreading K-jazz around the globe.

“I hope my enthusiasm for jazz can have a greater influence around the world and help spread a positive image of Korea,” she said as she accepted the prize.

Benjamin, who has been promoting K-pop in the media, nabbed the Korea Image Stepping Stone Bridge Award. The Korea Image Stepping Stone Award went to SK Telecom. The carrier was recognized for commercializing 5G technology worldwide.

U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris speaks during the Korea Image Awards at the InterContinental Seoul COEX, Tuesday. Yonhap

The award ceremony took place Tuesday at the InterContinental Seoul COEX. Some 600 guests, including U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris, British Ambassador Simon Smith and CJ Group Chairman Sohn Kyung-sik, attended.

The Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI), a global cultural promotion advocacy, hosted the event. It was established in 2003 to promote Korea worldwide.

Some 600 guests attended the event. Yonhap