Korea Image Awards name The Black Label, 'gat,' Buldak as 2026 winners

Teddy, left, executive producer of The Black Label, and Jung Kyoung-in, The Black Label CEO, will receive the 2026 Korea Image Stepping Stone Award for their participation in the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack. Courtesy of Corea Image Communication Institute

The Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) announced the winners of its 2026 Korea Image Awards, recognizing a K-pop music label, a traditional cultural symbol and a global food brand for broadening Korea’s appeal overseas.

The Korea Image Stepping Stone Award will go to The Black Label, represented by CEO Jung Kyung-in and executive producer Teddy, for taking part in producing the soundtrack for the hit animated film “KPop Demon Hunters.”

The institute said the label’s “innovative sound and global sensibility” helped deliver the emotional appeal of K-content to international audiences and contributed to the soundtrack’s milestone achievements, including ranking No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard and U.K. Official charts for multiple weeks.

"Gat," or a traditional Korean horsehair hat, will receive the 2026 Korea Image Firestone Award for reviving interest in tradition through contemporary content. Courtesy of Corea Image Communication Institute

Actor-writer Cha In-pyo

The Korea Image Firestone Award, presented to a person or symbol that sparked global interest in Korea, is awarded to the “gat,” a traditional Korean horsehair hat widely associated with the upright spirit and refined dignity of the Joseon era. According to CICI, gat has been reinterpreted across K-pop, film, drama and fashion, with renewed attention tied to its appearance in “KPop Demon Hunters,” emerging as a heritage icon.

Actor-writer Cha In-pyo will accept the prize as a representative awardee, with the institute noting his principled artistic stance, his books reexamining Korea’s modern history and his longstanding public image rooted in sincerity and social contribution.

Samyang Foods’ Buldak instant noodles will receive the 2026 Harmony Pebble Award for popularizing a “K-spicy” identity worldwide. Courtesy of Corea Image Communication Institute

Samyang Foods Vice Chairperson Kim Jung-soo

The Harmony Pebble Award, which recognizes a product or organization that broadens recognition of Korean culture globally, goes to Samyang Foods’ Buldak instant noodles. The institute credited the brand with popularizing a distinct “K-spicy” identity worldwide by fueling social media challenges and leading K-food trends. Kim Jung-soo, vice chair of Samyang Foods known as the “mother of Buldak,” will receive the award.

CICI holds the Korea Image Awards each January to spotlight people, products and ideas that elevate Korea’s profile on the world stage.

“Our aim is to remind Koreans of the importance of promoting the nation’s image and to give international guests an opportunity to experience the essence of Korean culture with all their senses,” CICI chairperson Choi Jung-wha said in a statement.

The 2026 ceremony will take place at The Westin Seoul Parnas on Jan. 15.