The Korea Advertising and Public Relations Practitioners Association (KAPRA), led by Chairman Baek Won-jang, CEO of Anypoint Media, held its 2025 year-end event and awards ceremony on December 16 at the Camellia hall on the second floor of Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
The event brought together 35 attendees, including key figures from the advertising and public relations industry and association members, who shared the year's achievements and discussed future directions for industry development.
At this year's ceremony, individuals and organizations that contributed to the growth and advancement of the advertising and PR industry were recognized.
Lee Soo-won, CEO of TBWA Korea, received the "Advertiser of the Year" award. Lee was recognized for leading advertising campaigns for major domestic companies and strengthening industry competitiveness, as well as for expanding the advertising industry's foundation through creative leadership and collaboration between industry and academia.
The "PR Professional of the Year" award went to Park Yong-jip, CEO of Goodwill Communications. Park was acknowledged for generating numerous achievements in public and corporate PR fields, and for contributing to enhancing national communication competitiveness through roles including PR advisor to the Prime Minister's Office and public relations planning advisor to the Presidential Office.
Ha Haeng-bong, Vice Chairman of the Korea Advertising Industry Association, received the "Special Contribution Award." Ha was recognized for his contributions to improving the industry environment and strengthening international competitiveness through private sector consultative activities for advertising industry development and cooperation with government ministries.
Additionally, the "Advertising and PR Club of the Year" award was given to Dong-A University's Bulseochul Advertising Research Club. The club received high marks in the association's scholarship support program for outstanding university clubs and was recognized for contributing to nurturing advertising and PR talent and enhancing industry capabilities through active research and planning activities.
Following the awards ceremony, a dinner was held where attendees actively exchanged views on industry issues, trends, and collaboration opportunities. Attendees shared that "it was a meaningful occasion to strengthen industry networks while wrapping up the year."
Chairman Baek Won-jang said, "Industry solidarity and strengthening expertise are more important than ever as the advertising and PR industry navigates a rapidly changing environment," adding, "The association will continue various activities for industry development and talent cultivation."
KAPRA is an organization composed of senior and veteran figures in the advertising and PR fields, focusing on policy research for industry development, education and scholarship programs, and promoting the social responsibility of advertising. The association selects and honors industry contributors and outstanding organizations annually, fostering the continued growth of the advertising and PR ecosystem.
