Oscar-winning film "Parasite," Netflix zombie thriller "Kingdom" and giant penguin character Pengsoo were among works selected as winners of the 2020 Korea Content Awards, the culture ministry said Saturday
The annual ceremony rewards local content that has contributed to the culture industry. This year, it will take place at the CKL Stage Center in Seoul, Tuesday, with only a minimum number of award winners and staff members attending amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the ministry.
Starting this year, the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit, the third-highest of five levels, will also be given to those who have contributed to upholding the country's reputation and facilitating its economy through creative work.
The first cultural medal in that category will go to Kwon Hyuk-bin, the founder and board chairman of Smilegate Holdings Inc., one of South Korean's major online game developers, the ministry said.
Smilegate has developed games that have gained popularity across the world, including "Crossfire," "Epic Seven" and "Lost Ark." The games have been exported to 80 countries, amassing 670 million users and reaping profits of 3.5 trillion won (US$3.2 billion) in royalties