2025 Korea First Brand Awards: The Choice of Korean Consumers

The 2025 Korea First Brand Awards is a prestigious annual event co-hosted by the Korea Consumer Brand Committee and the Korea Consumer Forum, with the Hankyung Economic Daily as its main organizer. Recognized as the largest brand celebration in South Korea, this awards ceremony honors brands expected to lead the coming year, based on active consumer participation. Held annually on January 7 at the Shilla Hotel in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, it symbolizes a key benchmark for measuring brand performance in various industries.

[OSEN/Reporter Choi Gyu-han] The prestigious 2025 Korea First Brand Awards ceremony was held at the Shilla Hotel in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, on January 7th.

How the Brands Are Selected

The selection process is driven by consumer feedback gathered through online and offline surveys. Categories span across various fields, including ICT (Information and Communication Technology), electronics, health, education, finance, lifestyle, beauty, services, shopping, sports/recreation/travel, food, dining, automobiles, housing/construction, fashion, and arts/culture. This diversity ensures that the awards represent consumer interests and needs accurately, shining a spotlight on brands excelling in their respective sectors.

Global Expansion and Impact

The Korea First Brand Awards is not limited to South Korea—it has grown into a global initiative. Collaborative events, such as the "Korea First Brand Awards Chosen by Chinese Consumers" with China's People’s Daily Online and the "Vietnam Korea First Brand Awards" with VTV Digital under Vietnam National TV, are conducted simultaneously. These efforts underscore the global competitiveness of Korean brands, enriching their reputation and footprint in international markets.

Expert Insight: G. Kevin’s Take

"South Korea's entertainment industry already wields immense global influence. The Korea First Brand Awards further solidify the country's cultural prowess. Particularly, K-POP and K-dramas continue to attract significant global audiences, directly enhancing brand value. This global expansion goes beyond mere cultural exports—it cements Korean brands as key players in the international market. Compared to other nations, South Korea excels in utilizing cultural content to boost national identity while achieving economic gains."

Key Highlights of the 2025 Korea First Brand Awards

  • Co-hosted by the Korea Consumer Brand Committee and Korea Consumer Forum
  • Organized by Hankyung Economic Daily
  • Brand selection driven by consumer participation
  • The largest branding event in South Korea
  • Global collaborations in China and Vietnam