Producer Weinstock of "Severance," Youn Yuhjung, and Others
Present a Vision for a Sustainable Future of Entertainment
Wainstok Nicholas, producer of 'Severance: Danjeol,' and Youn Yuhjung, the '2021 Visionary' actor who participated as an award presenter. Provided by CJ ENM
CJ ENM held the "2026 Visionary" awards ceremony at the CJ ENM Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on February 10.
Since 2020, CJ ENM has been selecting individuals and works as Visionaries that present a vision for the entertainment industry and expand their cultural influence through original creativity. This year, viewing "characters" as the core of intellectual property (IP) competitiveness, the company selected actors and production teams behind six works featuring standout characters: "The Tyrant's Chef," "Boys 2 Planet," "Severance: Disconnection," "Marry My Husband," "Unknown Seoul," and "Study Group."
The venue was decorated under the concept of an "Originality Construction Site," a construction site where a house of inspiration is being built. This reflected the idea that originality is not a finished product, but a process that continues into the next story.
This year, with global achievements standing out, overseas Visionaries such as American producer Nicholas Weinstock of "Severance: Disconnection" and Japanese actor Satoh Takeru of "Marry My Husband" also attended.
Lee Mikyung, Vice Chairwoman of CJ Group, said in a congratulatory video message, "The power that truly connects people ultimately lies in stories," adding, "CJ ENM will stand with you as a strong partner so that your sincere stories can become a force that moves the world."
Alpha Drive One, the group formed through "Boys 2 Planet," said, "Thanks to our fans' support, we were able to meet the world for the first time," and added, "We will live up to the meaning of Visionary and become a group that delivers catharsis on the global stage." Producer Kim Shinyoung, who led the program, said, "The essence of an audition program is the process of convincing viewers through compelling characters," emphasizing, "Our persistence with characters and stories is what sets Mnet apart."
Im Yoona of "The Tyrant's Chef" said in her acceptance speech, "I enjoyed playing Yeon Jiyeong, who is strong and wise." Director Jang Taeyoo explained his production approach, saying, "I focused on balancing the fantasy, romance, and food genres."
Park Minyoung of "Marry My Husband" said, "I learned that sincerity resonates across the world." Producer Son Jayoung shared her directing philosophy, highlighting cultural differences between the two countries, such as the intuitive storytelling style of the Korean version and the delicate emotional portrayal of the Japanese version.
Park Boyoung of "Unknown Seoul" expressed her gratitude, saying, "This is a work that will shine brightly in my filmography for a long time." Writer Lee Kang said, "My goal was to write a story that could offer even a little comfort, and I actually felt comforted myself, as if that goal had been achieved."
Producer Weinstock of "Severance: Disconnection" said, "Korean content is becoming a hot topic all over the world," and praised CJ ENM, saying, "The fact that CJ ENM presents the Visionary Awards, rather than awards based on performance, shows that it is a company that truly values boldness and creativity." Referring in particular to award presenter Youn Yuhjung, he added, "I respect her so much that I watched the film 'Minari' three times." Adam Scott greeted Korean fans through a video message.
Hwang Minhyun of "Study Group" said, "Ahead of filming for Season 2, I will show you how much I have grown," and sent his greetings to the Wanna One members who came to the event. Director Lee Janghoon credited him, saying, "I initially had no idea how to bring the original webtoon to life, but it became possible thanks to Hwang Minhyun." At the event, Zerobaseone members Park Gunwook and Seok Matthew added to the excitement with a celebratory performance.
CJ ENM CEO Yoon Sanghyun said, "Stories that move people's hearts start with characters," and stressed, "We will spread ONLYONE IP competitiveness through character-driven stories that will remain in people's lives around the world, and thereby create a new ecosystem for the cultural business."
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