Bang Si Hyuk, CEO of Big Hit Entertainment, has won the 14th Pony Chung Innovation Award.
The Pony Chung Innovation Award is an annual award given by the Pony Chung Foundation since 2007 and is given to people for their contributions to social development and raising the status of Korea through innovation.
The ceremony was held at Ponyjeong Hall in Samseong-dong, Seoul, at 11 AM on June 25, Thursday. The event was minimized due to the coronavirus.
The Pony Chung Foundation had this to say about Bang Si Hyuk's contribution to the status of Korea: "He has raised Korea's status in the global music industry by leading BTS's global success through his management. We hope Chairman Bang Si Hyuk will continue to help lead greater cultural innovation with his artists, as he has excellent humanity and sensibility and is an innovative entrepreneur who leads his company with great leadership."
Bang Si Hyuk was present at the awards show and accepted the award in person, saying, "I now feel a stronger sense of calling, more than ever before. I will not forget how happy music has made me feel, and I will continue to write stories with my company that is beneficial to the world and help proper and enhance the music industry. Our goal is to expand our company and show our innovation with new fan experiences."
Along with the award, Bang Si Hyuk was award 200 million Korean won in prize money. He has stated that he will be donating the money. Previously, BTS - who are under Big Hit Entertainment - donated USD 1 million to the Live Nation's Crew Nation campaign and the "Black Lives Matter" movement.
