The 16th Cultural Communication Forum (CCF 2025), hosted by the Korea Image Communication Institute (CICI; Chairperson Choi Jeong-hwa), was held on the 12th at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul. This year's event featured the theme 'Sustainable K-Style,' with over 60 attendees from the diplomatic and cultural sectors participating in the final round of a video contest, on-site voting, and an awards ceremony.

The award winners take a commemorative photograph at the CCF 2025 Cultural Communication Forum held by the Korea Image Communication Institute (CICI) on June 12 at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, Namsan 3 Room. /CICI

In the final round of the 'Sustainable K-Style' contest, which was held over three months, four teams were selected in both the Korean communication competition and the video institutional sector.

The winner of the Korean communication competition was Chui Meiling from China, representing Korea University, with her piece titled 'Beyond Glamour, K-Jeong.' Chui noted that 'the feeling of Jeong, which transcends generations beyond K-pop or beauty, is the true sustainable K-Style.'

The excellence award was given to the French vocalist Mapo Lore. He introduced the traditional Korean vocal art 'Pansori' and performed 'Hwacheojang' from 'Heungbo-ga,' earning applause.

The grand prize in the long-form video contest was awarded to Kang Ye-ryeong's 'K-Style, Building the Future.' It presented a new direction for K-Style through eco-friendly aspects like upcycling fashion and unique travel. The excellence award went to Song Se-eun's 'Korea, Seen Through Architecture,' which highlighted the modern significance of traditional architecture.

In the short-form institutional sector, Oh Sang-woo's 'K-Style, The More You Love, The More You Share!' was selected as the grand prize winner. This short form captured hand-drawn images in under one minute. Go Won-gi's 'For Sustainable K-Style' received the excellence award, conveying a message about continuing various K-contents to the younger generation.

KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung stated in his congratulatory speech that 'the status of Korean culture, arts, and science has become so high that the term Korean premium has emerged,' adding that 'the role of institutions like CICI, which serve as a bridge connecting Korea and the world, is becoming increasingly important.'

Chairperson Choi Jeong-hwa remarked, 'The reason K-Style is receiving global attention is thanks to the combination of the Korean sentiment centered around Jeong and Heung, unique storytelling, and digital technology.'

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