CJ Group’s Miky Lee Hailed as ‘Godmother of K-Culture’ as She Receives Asian Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Medal

Miky Lee, vice chair of South Korea’s CJ Group, has been awarded the Asian Hall of Fame’s Centennial Medal of Lifetime Achievement during a ceremony held in Los Angeles. The honor recognized her extensive contributions to promoting Korean culture internationally through film, music, and television for over three decades.

The medal was presented by Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment and a pivotal figure in the global expansion of K-pop. Lee Soo-man, who now serves as a key producer at A2O Entertainment, highlighted the enduring friendship between the two and referred to Miky Lee as the "godmother of K-culture," complementing his own reputation as the "godfather of K-pop."

This accolade underscores Lee’s role in transforming CJ from a food company into a cultural powerhouse. Her strategic vision helped shape landmark initiatives such as CJ’s investment in DreamWorks in 1995, the establishment of CGV — Korea’s first multiplex cinema chain launched in 1998 — and the creation of the influential Mnet music channel, which nurtured homegrown Korean music.

Lee’s efforts contributed to reversing the dominance of American pop music on Korean television during the early 2000s, fostering a robust platform for Korean artists to reach domestic and international audiences. Events initiated under her leadership, including the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) and KCON, have grown into global platforms showcasing Korean popular culture across cities like Bangkok, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and Tokyo.

Her work also extends into film production, where she served as an executive producer on Bong Joon Ho’s "Parasite," the 2020 Oscar-winning movie that became the first non-English language film to secure the Best Picture award. Lee has collaborated with renowned Korean filmmakers such as Park Chan-wook, Lee Chang-dong, and Hwang Dong-hyuk, further elevating Korean cinema's international footprint.

Beyond Korea, Lee has supported Asian creators through initiatives like the First Light StoryHouse label, which backs projects from Asian filmmakers with early-stage investment and co-production. This extends her legacy of fostering cultural exchange and amplifying Asian narratives on the global stage.

The Asian Hall of Fame, an institution dedicated to recognizing Asian and Indigenous impact across various fields, identified Lee’s distinguished character and cross-racial work as key factors in her receiving the Centennial Medal. The 22nd induction ceremony also honored other figures such as Blackpink’s Rosé and Japanese baseball player Nomo Hideo.

Guests at the ceremony included prominent artists and industry figures, such as Korean hip-hop icons Tiger JK and Yoon Mi-rae, X Japan’s Yoshiki, and notable film and cultural leaders. These attendees underscored the broad respect Lee commands across entertainment and cultural sectors.

This recognition reflects the broader trajectory of Korean popular culture’s global rise, with Lee’s leadership pivotal in crafting platforms that connect Korean entertainment beyond its borders. Her vision transformed CJ’s early ventures into comprehensive entertainment enterprises, from multiplex theaters to music festivals and international conventions.

Lee’s acknowledgment also highlights the evolving dynamics of the Korean entertainment industry, where cultural exports like K-pop and cinema now contribute significantly to Korea’s global influence and soft power. Her strategic foresight in identifying global opportunities in the mid-1990s laid the groundwork for these developments.

An important dimension of Lee’s impact lies in her ability to nurture successive generations of talent and industry infrastructure, setting a precedent for sustained cultural production and export. This creates ongoing opportunities for Asian creators to thrive within and beyond their native contexts.

Her career exemplifies how cultural industries can evolve from domestic businesses into international enterprises, blending creative vision with strategic investment. The recognition by the Asian Hall of Fame serves not only as a personal honor but as a testament to Korea’s transformation into a cultural force on the world stage.

The ceremony’s inclusion of diverse honorees and industry leaders signals an increasing appreciation for the contributions of Asian figures in global culture, with Lee’s lifetime achievement medal marking a milestone in this recognition.