South Korea’s First Virtual Icon Awards to Honor 20 Categories Next February

A new milestone for the virtual entertainment industry

A major awards ceremony symbolizing the explosive growth of South Korea’s virtual entertainment industry is set to make its debut. The Korea Virtual Human Industry Association announced that it will hold the country’s first awards show dedicated to virtual talent, the 1st Virtual Icon Awards, on Feb. 27 and 28 next year at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.

Virtual artists such as PLAVE and ISEGYE IDOL have recently set extraordinary records in the popular music market and broadcasting industry, firmly establishing themselves in mainstream culture. Planned in response to the industry’s expansion and the artists’ popularity, the Virtual Icon Awards are expected to become a prestigious, authoritative platform recognizing the contributions of creators and artists active in the virtual ecosystem.

The awards will be divided into four core categories spanning the industry. The fields being considered are:

• Virtual idols

• Virtual streamers

• Virtual characters

• Virtual creators

A total of 20 awards will be presented across the four categories. One team with the most outstanding performance among the grand prize winners in each category will receive the highest honor, the 1st Virtual Icon Grand Prize. Details on how the public can vote and the final nominees in each category will be disclosed transparently on the Virtual Icon Awards official website.

Korea Virtual Human Industry Association Chairman Seo Guk-han said, "We will do everything we can to make this ceremony a historic starting point that breaks down social prejudice against virtual humans and physical boundaries, and fully recognizes creators’ talent and limitless potential."