Miky Lee Honored as 'Godmother of K-Culture' at Asian Hall of Fame
Miky Lee, the esteemed vice chair of Korea's CJ Group, recently received the Asian Hall of Fame's Centennial Medal of Lifetime Achievement in Los Angeles. This prestigious award, presented by K-pop luminary Lee Soo-man, celebrated Lee's monumental contributions to the global proliferation of Korean culture. Lee Soo-man, founder of SM Entertainment and now a key producer at A2O Entertainment, lauded her as the 'Godmother of K-culture,' reciprocating her earlier tribute to him as the 'Godfather of K-pop'. This recognition underscores Lee's profound influence in elevating Korean entertainment onto the world stage.
For over three decades, Miky Lee has been instrumental in bridging Korean culture with international audiences through her visionary work in film, music, and television. The Asian Hall of Fame bestows this medal upon individuals who exemplify strong character, set new industry benchmarks, leave an indelible cultural mark, and foster cross-cultural connections. Lee's commitment to cultural exchange dates back to 1995 when CJ was primarily a food conglomerate. She spearheaded CJ's pivotal investment in DreamWorks, revolutionized Korea's film industry through CGV, and was crucial in transforming the MAMA Awards and KCON into globally recognized platforms. Her philosophy, inspired by her grandfather—who founded both CJ and Samsung—is that 'Culture is like oxygen; we cannot live without it.' This belief drove her and her brother Jay to expand their family's food business into the realms of visual and auditory entertainment.
Lee’s strategic foresight led to the establishment of CGV, Korea's first multiplex in 1998, followed by ventures into cable television and the creation of Studio Dragon. She also initiated Mnet to promote homegrown music, shifting the landscape from American pop dominance to a flourishing Korean music scene. The MAMA Awards and KCON subsequently expanded this cultural phenomenon to major cities worldwide, uniting fans under the motto 'Music Makes One.' Lee has collaborated with renowned Korean filmmakers such as Park Chan-wook, Bong Joon Ho, Lee Chang-dong, and 'Squid Game' creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, championing their global success. Her executive production on Bong Joon Ho's 'Parasite,' which made history as the first non-English film to win Best Picture at the Oscars, stands as a testament to her dedication. Her enduring legacy is not merely in her accomplishments, but in the opportunities she has created for future generations of Asian creators, as exemplified by CJ ENM's First Light StoryHouse label, which supports projects from early development.
Miky Lee's journey exemplifies the transformative power of vision, resilience, and a deep-seated belief in the universal language of culture. Her unwavering dedication has not only propelled Korean arts and entertainment to unprecedented global heights but also opened doors for diverse voices and narratives to resonate across borders. Her legacy is a beacon, illustrating how cultural diplomacy, driven by passion and strategic investment, can foster understanding, appreciation, and unity among peoples worldwide, enriching the global cultural tapestry for generations to come.
