Logos of Pernod Ricard (left) and CICI (Pernod Ricard Korea)
Logos of Pernod Ricard (left) and CICI (Pernod Ricard Korea)

Pernod Ricard Korea, the local unit of the French spirits giant, announced Monday that it will continue supporting the global promotion of Korean culture through its sponsorship of the Corea Image Communication Institute.

The company has been backing CICI’s cultural initiatives since 2023 as part of its 2030 Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap, which emphasizes diversity and inclusion as well as “valuing people.” These initiatives, the company said, aim to showcase Korea’s rich heritage and creativity to a global audience, including foreign ambassadors and key international figures.

“Pernod Ricard values the power of arts and culture to bring people together and promote mutual understanding,” Frantz Hotton, CEO of Pernod Ricard Korea, said.

With Pernod Ricard’s support, the CICI Foundation organized key events in 2024, including the Culture Communication Forum, which featured the New Korea Idea Contest and the Korea Image Created by AI Contest. The programs attracted more than 250 submissions, providing a platform for emerging artists and cultural innovators, the company said.

The partnership will continue this year with the 2025 Korea Image Awards, set to take place on Jan. 15 in Seoul, according to Pernod. The event will honor individuals who have significantly contributed to enhancing Korea’s global reputation, including fencer Oh Sang-wook, chef Edward Lee and table tennis player Shin Yu-bin.

Pernod Ricard Korea has also been a long-term supporter of traditional Korean arts. For over 20 years, the company has supported its gugak (Korean traditional music) scholarship, which nurtures young talent and actively collaborates with emerging artists to bridge Korean culture with global audiences.

“As a company invested in local communities, we are proud to continue working with CICI to share Korea’s rich cultural heritage with the world,” Hotton added.