Edward Lee Wins 'Korea Image Award'... "Korean Cuisine Is My Identity Itself"

Korean-American chef Edward Lee received the Korean Image Award from the Korea Image Communication Institute (CICI).

Chef Edward Lee posing. Photo by Yonhap News

The Korean Image Award ceremony was held on the 15th in the afternoon at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas Hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The Korean Image Award is given by CICI to individuals who have promoted Korea's image worldwide, among which the Stepping Stone Award is presented to those who have widely introduced Korean culture to the world.

Edward Lee was recognized for showcasing creative Korean cuisine on last year's Netflix variety show "Black and White Chef" and for creating dishes that embody the spirit and culture of Koreans.

He said, "I have eaten Korean food all my life, and Korean food is my identity itself," adding, "Growing up in the United States, I did not know much about Korean culture, but Korean cuisine was like a link connecting me to Korean culture." He continued, "I will explore how to create new Korean yet global dishes using fermented sauces such as soy sauce, doenjang, and gochujang as ingredients."

Chef Edward Lee's mother, Lee Soon-ja, also attended the ceremony that day.

The Stepping Stone Award, given to individuals who have played a foundational role in elevating Korea's status worldwide, was awarded to fencing athlete Oh Sang-wook, the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist. He said, "I did not consciously think about being the first Asian and Korean to win two fencing titles, so I was able to compete without pressure," adding, "I am happy to receive congratulations from various countries at such a grand event."

Table tennis player Shin Yu-bin, who received the Flower Stone Award given to those who have blossomed Korea's image, said, "Although I am still lacking, I am grateful that the valuable result (Paris Olympic bronze medal) helped promote the Republic of Korea," and added, "I will work harder to promote Korea."

Choi Jeong-hwa, director of CICI, said in her opening remarks, "The commonality between sports and food is that they bring the joy of coming together," and added, "I would like to once again thank Oh Sang-wook, Shin Yu-bin, and chef Edward Lee for bringing us the joy of togetherness."