Entertainment
DARI AWARD
December 4, 2026
Established by the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA) and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), the DARI Awards serve as a national bridge—"Dari"—between Korean creativity and American innovation. For over two decades, this ceremony has recognized the visionary individuals and organizations that have transformed Korean content into a global cultural phenomenon.
Under the official patronage of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, we celebrate those who do more than just share stories; they foster mutual understanding and strengthen the cultural bond between Korea and the United States.
RECOGNIZING THE ARCHITECTS OF K-CULTURE’S GLOBAL REACH
The 2025 DARI Awards highlighted the diverse and expanding sectors where Korean influence is no longer a trend, but a staple of the global market. From the prestige of literary achievements to the commercial power of beauty and the global dominance of music, we were proud to present official commendations to this year’s distinguished honorees:
PERSON OF THE YEAR
Barbara J. Zitwer
A literary pioneer whose two decades of advocacy helped bring Nobel laureate Han Kang’s storytelling to the global stage.
COMPANY OF THE YEAR
The Black Label USA
A creative powerhouse shaping the sound of modern K-Pop and elevating Korean music through major U.S. film soundtracks and global hits like Rosé’s "APT."
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR
Landing International
A strategic bridge for K-Beauty, successfully launching Korean wellness innovation across major U.S. retailers and 10,000+ shoppers.
A NIGHT OF CULTURAL HARMONY WHERE TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION
The evening was a vivid reflection of the "DARI" spirit, featuring performances that blended heritage with contemporary artistry. From the captivating opening collaboration between Pansori Master Yeonun Seo and Rapper Cam, to the world-class "Sand Magic" of FISM World Champion Youngmin Kim, the event showcased the limitless versatility of Korean performance art.
Beyond the awards, the evening served as a vital hub for networking and festive celebration, bringing together cultural leaders to toast to a future where Korean content continues to thrive without borders.
