8 - International Media

Korea Named Country of Honor at Banff World Media Festival

    In a landmark moment for global media collaboration, South Korea has been named the inaugural Country of Honour at the 2025 Banff World Media Festival (BANFF), marking the first time in the festival’s 46-year history that a nation has received this distinction. This recognition underscores Korea's significant influence in the global entertainment industry and its commitment to fostering international partnerships. ​Home - Banff World Media Festival

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    The designation as Country of Honour is a testament to Korea's burgeoning presence in global media, particularly through its innovative storytelling and high-quality productions. Korea's impact will be prominently featured throughout the festival, with exclusive showcases, networking opportunities, and special programming that highlight the country's excellence in television, digital media, and more. The celebration will culminate in a tribute at the Rockie Awards on Monday, June 9. ​

    A key component of Korea's participation is the partnership with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), which will lead a distinguished delegation of top producers, industry leaders, and acclaimed talent to the festival. This collaboration aims to forge new international partnerships and strengthen global collaboration in the media sector.

    Yoo-Hyun-seok, Acting President of KOCCA, echoed this sentiment, noting that Korea's presence at BANFF underscores the strength and appeal of K-Content on a global scale. He emphasized the opportunity to showcase the depth and diversity of Korea's creative industry while building meaningful partnerships that will shape the future of entertainment. ​

    Korea's recognition at BANFF is part of a broader trend of increasing international acclaim for its media content. Leading entertainment company CJ ENM has earned three nominations at the 2025 Banff Rockie Awards, highlighting the global resonance of Korean productions. The nominated titles include "Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born" for the Limited Series category, "LTNS" for Comedy Series: Non-English Language, and "Europe Outside Your Tent: France" for the Lifestyle category. These nominations reflect CJ ENM's commitment to creating universally appealing programming that transcends cultural and geographical barriers.

    The Banff World Media Festival serves as a premier platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and celebrate excellence in media. With Korea's designation as Country of Honour, the 2025 festival is poised to be a significant event for fostering cross-cultural exchanges and highlighting the dynamic contributions of Korean media to the global landscape.

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    As the festival approaches, anticipation builds for the unique opportunities and collaborations that will emerge from this historic recognition. Korea's role as Country of Honour not only celebrates its past achievements but also sets the stage for future innovations and partnerships in the ever-evolving world of media.​