CJ ENM revealed his selection of 'Visionaries 2024', people who have been instrumental in shaping the future of K Entertainment through their creative contributions. This esteemed group of visionaries includes Kang full, Kim Yong Hoon, Ryu Seung Ryong, Monique, hye kyo song, Stray childrenAnd Uh Jung Hwaseven influential figures who left an indelible mark on the industry.
Actress Song Hye Kyo and director Kim Yong Hoon have been recognized for their ability to inspire the industry with their relatable yet hyper-realistic storytelling. The remarkable portrait of Song Hye Kyo in Netflix's'Glory', was hailed as a breakthrough moment in his career. The series recorded a staggering 622.8 million cumulative viewing hours in the first half of 2023, ranking as the third most-watched Netflix show worldwide. It addressed the sensitive issue of school violence, which deeply affected viewers.
Director Kim Yong Hoon, known for the provocative Netflix series 'Girl with mask,” fearlessly addressed societal issues such as hatred, sexuality, and lookism. His fresh and bold approach has positioned him as a key figure in the industry.
Uhm Jung Hwa and Stray Kids have redefined artistic art for the contemporary era, offering unique perspectives that resonate with their times. Uhm Jung Hwa, celebrated as a “current legend,” has made a seamless transition from acting to singing. His recent appearances in JTBC's'Doctor Cha' And tvN's'Dancing queens on the road', as well as her first solo concert in 24 years, reaffirm her status as 'Korea's Madonna'.
Stray Kids, an independent artist group, has forged a distinct musical identity and achieved unprecedented success with its four 2023 albums reaching the top of sales in the United States.Billboard 200' chart. Their track “LALALALA“even arrived on the 'Billboard Hot 100', marking a historic moment. They also became the first 4th generation K-pop boy group to headline Japan's four major domed concert halls, cementing their status as global trendsetters.
Writer Kang Full, actor Ryu Seung Ryong and choreographer Monika pushed the boundaries of creativity and target audiences. Kang Full and actor Ryu Seung Ryong's collaboration on the Korean film Disney+ hero drama'Moving' introduced innovative genres and characters. Kang Full, as the webtoon's original creator and first-time video writer, crafted a compelling humanistic narrative spanning generations, creating a new genre known as “K-hero drama.” Ryu Seung Ryong's remarkable range allows him to effortlessly portray both rugged characters and romantic leads, cementing his position as a beloved national actor.
Monika, once a candidate for 'Street Woman Fighter 1“, became a respected “combat judge” during season 2. Her incisive and empathetic critiques were widely acclaimed. Passionate and dedicated to dance, Monika's influence extended beyond the community of dance, making her a “leader of the K-dance scene” and the first recipient of a Visionary Award as a choreographer.
The CJ ENM “Visionary Awards” will honor these remarkable individuals, who have not only demonstrated unparalleled creative vision, but have also exerted significant influence in the industry. This awards ceremony is expected to be a pivotal moment for the entertainment industry, sparking discussions and fostering a new vision for K Entertainment for the year to come. CJ ENM also revealed the 'Visionary work 2024,' a collaborative project with 'Orbit Studio', capturing the essence of the seven visionaries and their profound impact on the industry.
“Visionaries 2024” represents the bright future of K Entertainment, a testament to its limitless potential and creative achievements.
