The 7th Newsis Hallyu Expo will take place on August 28, 2025, at the Lotte Hotel Crystal Ballroom Hall in Seoul. The event celebrates the global influence of Korean culture, known as Hallyu, and honors artists, writers, and performers who have made significant contributions. This year’s theme is “Soft Power, Hallyu Permeates,” highlighting how Korean entertainment continues to shape global trends.
Major Award Winners
IU will receive the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award for her role in the Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines. The series earned her critical acclaim, including a Best Actress win at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards. Her performance as a mother and daughter in different timelines resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
“This show will remain the greatest pride of my life,” IU said during her Blue Dragon acceptance speech. “I offer my deepest respect and gratitude to all the Ae-suns who lived boldly and clearly in a world that demanded they remain unseen.”
Lee Jun Hyuk and Lee Joo Bin will be awarded the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee Chairman’s Award. Lee Jun Hyuk gained recognition for his role in SBS TV’s Love Scout, while Lee Joo Bin impressed viewers in tvN’s Queen of Tears and the film The Roundup: Punishment.
Choo Young Woo, known for his breakout roles in JTBC’s The Tale of Lady Ok and Netflix’s The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, will receive the Seoul Tourism Foundation CEO’s Award. His performance in The Trauma Code also earned him the Best New Actor award at the Blue Dragon Series Awards.
K-Pop and Musical Achievements
ATEEZ and writer Hue Park will be honored with the Seoul Mayor’s Award. ATEEZ achieved new milestones on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with their hits “Lemon Drop” and “In Your Fantasy.” Hue Park made history as the first Korean to win Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for Maybe Happy Ending.
P1Harmony and STAYC will receive the Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman’s Award. Both groups have broken sales records and charted on the Billboard 200, solidifying their global fanbase.
Beatpella House and writer Lee Nak Jun will be awarded the Korea Creative Content Agency President’s Award. Beatpella House’s leader Wing gained fame with his viral hit “Dopamine,” while Lee Nak Jun is the original author behind Netflix’s The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, which won Best Drama at the Blue Dragon Series Awards.
New Fan-Voted Award
A Global Netizen Award has been introduced this year, with three categories: OST, Next Icon, and Trot Star. Fans can vote for their favorites on the Stardum app until midnight on August 18. The winner will be determined solely by fan votes.
Event Highlights
The expo will feature lectures on K-content by Park Cheon Hu and Lee Nak Jun, as well as performances by Beatpella House, Hwang Ga Ram, Rescene, and other award winners. The event will be streamed live on YouTube, allowing global fans to participate.
Launched in 2019, the Newsis Hallyu Expo aims to promote the sustainability and global impact of Korean culture. It is hosted by Newsis with support from government and cultural organizations.
Source (1)
