CJ Group Vice Chairwoman Miky Lee Receives 2026 Asian Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Medal for 30 Years of Cultural Contributions

A 30-year legacy as a global bridge for K-culture; Lee emphasizes supporting the next generation of creators

CJ ENM said on Nov. 8 that CJ Group Vice Chairwoman Miky Lee received the highest honor, the 'Centennial Medal for Lifetime Achievement,' at the '2026 Asian Hall of Fame' ceremony held in Los Angeles on Nov. 5 (local time).

The 'Centennial Medal for Lifetime Achievement' is awarded to global leaders who have made outstanding contributions and had a global impact over many years in culture, the arts and other areas of society. Organizers praised Lee for leading efforts over the past 30 years across a broad range of industries, including film, broadcasting and music, to serve as a 'cultural bridge' connecting Korea with the world, expand the global reach of 'Korean content' and broaden the horizons of cross-cultural exchange.

In her acceptance speech, Lee shared her firm belief in the fundamental power of culture, saying, "Culture is like oxygen: In our daily lives, it is easy to forget how precious it is, but we cannot live without it." She added, "The greatest legacy we can leave is not simply what we achieve, but creating an environment where the next generation can dream bigger and take on new challenges," and stressed the importance of nurturing future talent: "I hope the next generation of creators will pursue grand dreams they never thought possible and push beyond existing limits."

Lee Soo-man, key producer at A2O Entertainment and a previous year's inductee, took the stage to present the award. In his congratulatory remarks, he praised her, saying, "If I am the godfather of K-pop, Vice Chairwoman Miky Lee is unquestionably the 'godmother of K-culture.'"

The 'Asian Hall of Fame' is a global awards ceremony honoring the achievements and contributions to society of people of Asian heritage in the arts, culture, sports and business. This year marked its 22nd edition. The inductee list also included Lee, ROSÉ of BLACKPINK and former Major League Baseball star Hideo Nomo.