Celebrating the K-culture’s shining stars, the 2025 Newsis K-EXPO honored Korean stars who have captivated hearts worldwide. From beloved actors like IU, Lee Jung Jae, and Choo Young Woo, to Kpop groups P1Harmony, KiiiKii, and AHOF, they received recognition this year. Discover the winners of the 2025 Newsis K-EXPO below.
Winners of the 2025 NEWSIS K-EXPO
On August 28, the 7th NEWSIS K-EXPO ceremony in 2025 took place at the Lotte Hotel Crystal Ballroom in Seoul. Supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the Seoul Metropolitan Council, the Korea Creative Content Agency, and the Seoul Tourism Organization, this prestigious annual event celebrates individuals and groups dedicated to the development of K-culture.
The Grand Celebration of K-Culture
Top Acting Awards
Actress and singer IU received the prestigious Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Award. She truly moved audiences this year with her role in Netflix’s “When Life Gives You Tangerines.” Meanwhile, global star Lee Jung Jae secured the Minister of Foreign Affairs Award for his anticipated return in “Squid Game” Seasons 2 and 3.
K-Pop’s Powerful Awards
K-pop groups, as always, stole the show with their powerful impact. The phenomenal group ATEEZ earned the Seoul Mayor Award for the group’s remarkable influence. Groups P1Harmony and STAYC were each honored with the Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman Award.
Risings Stars
The 2025 NEWSIS K-EXPO also highlighted the future of K-culture. The rookie K-pop group KiiiKiii and rising actor Choo Young Woo received the Seoul Tourism Organization President Award. The award recognizes their contributions as the new faces of Hallyu. Meanwhile, rookie K-pop boy group AHOF claimed the Next Icon Award.
Choo Young Woo has captivated K-drama fans with his stunning appearances in multiple projects this year, including “The Tale of Lady Ok,” “The Trauma Code,” “Mercy for None,” and “Head over Heels.” KiiiKiii, a five-member Starship Entertainment girl group, debuted just this March. They quickly topped music charts with their debut track “I Do Me.”
While rookie group AHOF, who debuted on July 5, proudly claimed the Global Netizen Award – Next Icon. This win highlights their rapid global rise and solidifies their status as a powerful new force in K-pop.
[📸] #2025_NEWSIS K-EXPO #250828
— AHOF (@AHOF_official) August 28, 2025
2025 NEWSIS K-EXPO 완료 ✨
글로벌 네티즌 🏆 감사합니다🥰
늘 고마워요 😍#AHOF #아홉 pic.twitter.com/mJd5mn7PFE
Find the complete list of celebrity winners below.
List of Winners
- Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Award: IU
- Seoul Mayor Award: ATEEZ, “Maybe Happy Ending” writer Hue Park
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Award: Lee Jung Jae
- National Assembly’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee’s Chairman Award: Lee Jun Hyuk, Lee Joo Bin
- Seoul Metropolitan Council’s Chairman Award: STAYC, P1Harmony
- Seoul Tourism Organization’s President Award: Choo Young Woo, KiiiKiii
- Korea Creative Content Agency Award: BEATPELLA HOUSE, Lee Nak Jun
- Hallyu Special Award: RESCENE
- Hallyu Special Ballad Award: Hwang Karam
- Global Netizen Award – OST: ZEROBASEONE’s Zhang Hao for “I Wanna Know” from the TVING variety show “Transfer Love 3.”
- Global Netizen Award – Next Icon: AHOF
- Global Netizen Award – Trot Star: Lee Chan Won
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