#United States #Los Angeles #K-pop #K-Beauty #Korean Literature

2025 DARI Awards: Celebrating 20 Years of Cultural Exchange

The 2025 DARI Awards, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), took place on December 4 in Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone as it celebrated two decades of cultural exchange between Korea and the United States. Over these years, the awards have acknowledged individuals and companies that have made exceptional contributions to the cultural and artistic collaboration between these two nations.

The Honorees

This year's awards were presented in three distinguished categories:

• - Person of the Year: Barbara J. Zitwer
• - Company of the Year: THEBLACKLABEL
• - Business Partnership of the Year: Landing International Inc.

Person of the Year: Barbara J. Zitwer

Barbara J. Zitwer, the founder of her literary agency established in 1991, has played an instrumental role in bringing Korean literature to the global stage. Her efforts in promoting works by renowned authors such as Shin Kyung-sook and Han Kang have significantly raised awareness and recognition of Korean literary talents internationally. Zitwer's work has not only positioned Korean authors in major markets like the U.S., U.K., and Europe, but also facilitated a broader appreciation of Korean narratives in the global literary landscape. Her dedication to elevating Korean literature was rightfully celebrated with the prestigious Person of the Year award.

Company of the Year: THEBLACKLABEL

Founded in 2016 by producer Teddy, THEBLACKLABEL has emerged as a key player in the entertainment industry, focusing on music production and artist management. The company has made a noteworthy impact on the global music scene, particularly in 2025 with its collaboration on the Netflix animation ‘K-pop Demon Hunters.’ The success of BLACKPINK’s artist Rosé, with her hit single “APT,” showcases THEBLACKLABEL's effectiveness in linking Korean music with international platforms, thus further solidifying Korean pop culture in North America. Its innovative approach and significant contributions earned it the title of Company of the Year.

Business Partnership of the Year: Landing International Inc.

Landing International Inc. has established itself as a global distributor of K-Beauty products, launching over 200 Korean cosmetic brands worldwide. Founded in 2013, the company's impressive journey has culminated in more than $250 million USD in cumulative retail sales, exemplifying success in integrating Korean beauty within mainstream U.S. retail. Their model builds a collaborative ecosystem connecting brands, retailers, and consumers, significantly aiding the global expansion of Korean cosmetics. For these reasons, it was recognized as the Business Partnership of the Year.

The Celebration of Culture

The 2025 DARI Awards ceremony featured various unique performances highlighting the fusion of cultures, such as a collaboration between traditional Korean vocal music (Gu-eum) and American hip-hop, symbolizing the bond created over 20 years of cultural exchange. Additionally, magician Youngmin Kim, known for his impressive performance on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ graced the event, representing the exceptional talent emerging from Korea.

A highlight video celebrating two decades of achievements and a networking reception followed the awards presentation, where representatives from the Korea-U.S. cultural industries engaged in fruitful discussions, fostering future collaborations.

Looking Ahead

The significance of the 2025 DARI Awards goes beyond celebrating past achievements; it paves the way for potential future collaborations across various genres and industries. The honorees exemplify how individuals and organizations can contribute to the ecosystem of cultural exchange, promoting Korean culture globally. The ongoing commitment to expanding the reach of Korea's creative industries signals a promising future for Korean content on the world stage.