CICI

15/06/2026

[부고] 최정화 CICI 이사장님 별세

깊은 슬픔과 애도의 마음으로 알려드립니다.
최정화 CICI 이사장님께서 2026년 6월 14일 별세하셨습니다.
이사장님께서는 2003년부터 대한민국의 문화와 가치를 세계에 알리고, 한국의 긍정적인 이미지를 널리 확산하기 위해 헌신적으로 힘써 오셨습니다. 한국이미지커뮤니케이션연구원(CICI)을 이끌며 민간문화외교의 발전과 국제 교류 증진에 큰 발자취를 남기셨습니다.

삼가 고인의 삶과 업적을 기리며 깊은 애도를 표합니다.
▪️ 빈소: 삼성서울병원 장례식장 15호실
▪️ 입관: 2026년 6월 16일(화) 오후 3시
▪️ 발인: 2026년 6월 17일(수) 오전 7시
▪️ 장지: 1차 서울추모공원 / 2차 개나리추모공원(제천)
삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다.
CICI

[訃告]
故 최소희(정화)님께서 소천 하셨기에 아래와 같이 부고를 전해 드립니다.

▶故 최소희(정화)님 부고◀
https://samga.co.kr/obituary.do?bn=455560

황망한 마음에 일일이 연락드리지 못함을 널리 혜량해 주시길 바랍니다.

상주
디디에 벨투아즈 배상

[Obituary] Passing of CICI President Choi Jungwha

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences that we share this sad news.
President Choi Jungwha of CICI passed away on June 14, 2026.
Since 2003, President Choi devoted herself to promoting Korea’s culture and values to the world and enhancing Korea’s positive image on the global stage. As the leader of the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI), she made significant contributions to the advancement of cultural diplomacy and international exchange.

We honor her life, achievements, and enduring legacy, and extend our deepest sympathies.
▪️ Funeral Hall: Samsung Medical Center Funeral Home, Room 15
▪️ Encoffining Ceremony: June 16, 2026 (Tue), 3:00 p.m.
▪️ Funeral Service / Departure: June 17, 2026 (Wed), 7:00 a.m.
▪️ Burial Site: Seoul Memorial Park (first) / Gaenari Memorial Park, Jecheon (final)
May she rest in peace.
CICI

[Obituary Notice]
We regret to inform you that Ms. Choi Jungwha has passed away. The funeral arrangements are as follows.
▶ Obituary Information for the Late Ms. Choi Jungwha ◀
https://samga.co.kr/obituary.do?bn=455560
We kindly ask for your understanding that we are unable to contact everyone individually during this difficult time.

Chief Mourner
Didier Beltoise

08/06/2026

CCF2026 문화소통포럼의 일환으로 진행된 공모전 중 카테고리2 ‘AI시대, K-콘텐츠만의 경쟁력은 무엇인가’ 공모전 대상은 ‘AI가 흉내낼 수 없는 언어의 감각, 한국어 뉘앙스’라는 카드뉴스입니다.
한국어의 정·눈치·한·흥처럼 번역되지 않는 감각이 K-콘텐츠의 진심과 힘을 만든다는 내용을 담은 카드뉴스입니다.

What Is the English Word for ‘Jeong’?
K-Content Draws Its Power from the Untranslatable.
A feeling AI can never imitate

(1page)
AI Has Broken Down
Language Barriers
But some things disappear in translation.
AI translation is efficient, but emotional nuance leaks away.
The value of emotions that cannot be translated.
Limits of technology → Emotional loss

(2page)
Jeong
Deeper than Love, stronger than friendship
A uniquely Korean bond built over time
The “depth of time” contrasted with AI’s instant nature
Time · Bond · Depth

(3page)
Nunchi
Knowing Without Being Told
The art of reading someone’s feelings first
The source of tension in K-storytelling
A Korean sense of empathy global fandoms are drawn to
Empathy · Relationships · K-Narratives

(4page)
Han · Heung
Transforming sorrow into explosive energy
The emotional intensity unique to K-content
Synergy of contrasting emotions
A Korean sentiment where sorrow and joy coexist
Catharsis · Intensity · K-Emotion

(5page)
Global Fans Now Want the ‘Original’
Not just translations, but the worldview behind the nuance
A participatory global fandom culture
Language learning becomes deeper immersion
A desire to experience the original nuance itself
Original · Immersion · Fandom

(6page)
Cultural Context Cannot Be Learned by Algorithms
That Is Why K-Content Cannot Be Replaced in the AI Era
Algorithms learn data, but cultural intuition must be experienced.
K-content’s uniqueness lies in its ‘untranslatability’
Context · Sensibility · Irreplaceable

(7page)
Language Is Not Just a Tool
It Is a Worldview
The true power of K-content lies in ‘sincerity’ that cannot be translated
The power to move emotions and create empathy.
Untranslatable language is what moves the world.
Sincerity

08/06/2026

CCF2026 문화소통포럼의 일환으로 진행된 공모전 중 카테고리2 ‘AI시대, K-콘텐츠만의 경쟁력은 무엇인가’ 공모전 우수상은 ‘K 콘텐츠, K 공명 : 떼창과 응원봉’이라는 카드뉴스입니다.
관객의 떼창과 응원봉이 공연을 완성하는, AI가 복제할 수 없는 K-콘텐츠의 집단 공명을 담은 카드뉴스입니다.

K-CONTENT ORIGINAL GRAMMAR
The audience completes the performance
A grammar unique to K-content
Collective resonance AI cannot replicate

(1page)
AI can create
a perfect stage.
But can it create a
‘complete’ performance?

(2page)
REDEFINING THE AUDIENCE
Fans are not just ‘spectators.’
They are co-creators who complete half the show.

(3page)
EVIDENCE 01 - LIGHTSTICK
Lightsticks
Tool that synchronize emotions
More than simple merchandise, they are directing devices that breathe with artists in real time.

(4page)
EVIDENCE 02 — FANCHANT
Fanchants
Bonds beyond language
A massive emotional wave created by sharing Korean lyrics together

(5page)
DATA · AI K-CONTENT
Data calculates vs Hearts resonate
This is the grammar of K-content AI cannot imitate
Technology builds the stage, but the audience completes the performance.

(6page)
UNREPLICABLE ORIGINALITY
An originality that cannot be copied
Every fandom participates differently, every performance becomes ‘one of a kind’

(7page)
EPILOGUE - THE REAL POWER
Between people, a deeper connection
The true power of K-content lies not on the stage, but in ‘us.’
The audience completes the performance

08/06/2026

CCF2026 문화소통포럼의 일환으로 진행된 공모전 중 카테고리1 ‘한국 전통문화 & 현대 한국문화의 미래의 모습은 무엇인가‘ 공모전 대상 수상작을 소개합니다.

The Future of K-Heritage & K-Contemporary, Grand Award!

In 2075, There Are Still Things AI Cannot Hold
What AI lacks, Grandmother has.
10 Messages from a 100-Year-Old Grandmother to Her Grandson

(1page)
Grandma(G): Minjun, how have you been? Today was a special day for me.
Minjun(M): Grandma! Tell me everything

2075, Grandma’s messages begin.

(2page)
G: I had kimchi-jjigae on the moon!
Eating while looking at the stars felt refreshing.
Kimchi ferments better on the moon because of zero gravity.

Even in space, kimchi is still kimchi

(3page)
G: I tried teaching AI grandson how to make kimchi.
He kept asking, ‘Exactly how many grams of chili powder?’
So I told him
‘Jeong(affection)’ can’t be measured

(4page)
G: I went to granddaughter’s concert.
My light stick is 4th-gen. too~
The stage outfits looked like hanbok.

K-pop is today’s hanbok.

(5page)
G: I have a new family member.
I adopted an AI dog, and spent forever thinking of a name
I named him ‘Baekgu’

A name needs to feel easy to call for ’jeong‘ to grow.

(6page)
G: I made kimchi with my English daughter-in-law.
Translation? Who needs it.
Now she even says ‘Aigo, mother~’ in Korean.

When hearts connect, language hardly matters.

(7page)
G: My painting won 1st place on Mars. That tiger painting you were scared of as a kid
M: That made it all the way there? haha
The most Korean thing
becomes the most universal.

(8page)
G: I competed against an AI poet.
The AI matched rhythms perfectly and even used difficult Chinese characters.
But do you know why grandma won?

AI doesn’t understand ‘Han’

(9page)
G: Today was your grandfather’s memorial, so I held a hologram ritual.
AI still can’t recreate the smell of the food your grandfather loved.
So I made them myself.

Technology creates form.
The heart creates scent.

(10page)
M: Was all of that real?
G: Yes, it’s the future we built together.
M: You must have been protecting our future all along
Technology lives inside norigae.
But what makes it shine is grandma’s heart.
Tradition does not stay locked in museums. Through grandma’s hands, it flows into the future.

08/06/2026

CCF2026 문화소통포럼의 일환으로 진행된 공모전 중 카테고리1 ‘한국 전통문화 & 현대 한국문화의 미래의 모습은 무엇인가' 공모전 우수상 수상작을 소개합니다.

The Future of K-Heritage & K-Contemporary Excellence Award!

K-Bojagi OS
From Wrapping to Circulation
Bojagi is a Korean lifestyle system wrapping the future.

(1page)
Bojagi is not just wrapping cloth.
It is a Korean lifestyle system for the future.

(2page)
The world is seeking beauty that wastes less.
Disposable packaging and fast consumption are convenient but do not last.
The future is not about more, but using longer, reusing, and sharing with meaning.
The answer was already inside Korean bojagi.

(3page)
The origin of bojagi is not ‘packaging’ but ‘living’
Bojagi is a culture of wrapping, tying, carrying, storing, gifting, and reusing.
A piece of cloth can become a bag, wrapping, or a vessel carrying emotion.
Wrap · Tie · Carry · Share · Reuse
Bojagi is a Korean lifestyle design where philosophy comes before form.

(4page)
K-Packaging: A Gift Culture That Doesn’t End in Waste
Bojagi can become a reusable packaging system.
From airports to hotels, shops and K-beauty, it creates a uniquely Korean and sustainable premium experience.
Packaging is not something to discard.
It becomes a culture of reuse.

(5page)
K-Lifewear: Wear, Carry, and Live With
Bojagi can expand into fashion, bags, lighting, space dividers, etc.
Traditional patterns become a design language for modern life.
Fashion / Living / Objects / Space
Bojagi becomes heritage worn on the body, placed in the home, and used in the city.

(6page)
Bojagi Loop: Korean Circular Culture Connecting the World
System that collects and re-rents bojagi packaging with brands, consumers, travelers, and local communities.
- Airport Bojagi Rental
- Hotel K-Gift Wrapping Service
- Travelers & Local Shops
- Value Through Reuse
- Global Bojagi Return Campaign
Korean tradition can become a sustainable habit for the world.

(7page)
The Future of K-Heritage
From ‘Preservation’ to ‘Everyday Living’
Bojagi is not a relic of the past, but a Korean lifestyle for packaging, fashion, space, and reuse.
-Everyday Fashion
-Sustainable Packaging
-Beautiful Spaces
-Korean Aesthetics
-Circular Future
WRAP LESS WASTE.
WRAP MORE MEANING.

05/06/2026

AI는 모든 언어를 번역할 수 있지만, '정(情)'도 번역할 수 있을까요?

우리의 전통 문화인 보자기는 미래의 라이프스타일이 될 수 있을까요?

AI가 아무리 발전해도 절대 따라 할 수 없는 K-콘텐츠만의 힘은 무엇일까요?

올해 문화소통포럼 CCF 2026에서는 ‘한국 전통문화, 현대 한국문화의 미래의 모습은 무엇인가’ 와 ’AI 시대, K-콘텐츠만의 경쟁력은 무엇인가'를 주제로 진행한 카드뉴스 공모전의 결선이 열렸습니다.

참가자들은 보자기, 정, 한, 흥, 팬덤 문화 등 한국만의 문화를 자신만의 시각으로 풀어냈는데요,

여기에 이탈리아 대사님부터 배우 박중훈님, 홍태선 건축가님, 한복홍보대사 파비오님까지 직접 무대에 오른 '히든 탤런트 챌린지'와 팝페라의 황제 임형주 용산문화재단 이사장의 깜짝 공연까지 더해져 더욱 특별한 시간이 되었습니다.

한국 문화의 현재와 미래를 함께 상상해 본 특별한 하루.

지금 영상으로 함께 볼까요?

AI can translate every language - but can it truly translate the Korean word 'jeong'?

Can Korea's traditional bojagi become a lifestyle of the future?

And what is the unique power of K-content that even the most advanced AI can never replicate?

At this year's Culture Communication Forum, CCF 2026, the final-round works of the Card News Competition under the themes 'The Future of Korean Traditional and Contemporary Culture' and 'What Makes K-Content Competitive in the Age of AI' were revealed.

Participants explored uniquely Korean cultural concepts - including bojagi, jeong, han, heung, and fandom culture - through their own creative perspectives.

This year's CCF 2026 also featured the Hidden Talent Challenge, where participants took the stage to reveal their unexpected talents. From Ambassador Emilia Gatto to actor Park Joong-hoon, architect Hong Tae-seon, and Hanbok Promotion Ambassador Fabio, the performances added a special dimension to the evening. Guests were also treated to a surprise performance by world-renowned popera singer and Chairman of the Yongsan Cultural Foundation, Lim Hyung-joo.

It was a special day spent imagining both the present and the future of Korean culture.

#문화소통포럼 #공모전 #한국전통문화 #현대한국문화

AI는 모든 언어를 번역할 수 있지만, '정(情)'도 번역할 수 있을까요?우리의 전통 문화인 보자기는 미래의 라이프스...

29/05/2026

배우, 대사, 한복홍보대사가 열창하고, 건축가가 피아노를 치는 이 행사는 무엇일까요?

올해 CICI의 17회 문화소통포럼 CCF 2026은 주한 이탈리아 대사관저에서 특별한 방식으로 펼쳐졌습니다.

이번 CCF 2026에서는 ‘히든 탤런트 챌린지’를 통해 문화소통계 리더들이 직접 자신의 숨겨진 재능을 공개하며 함께 웃고 즐기는 시간을 가졌는데요,

에밀리아 가토 주한 이탈리아 대사, 벨기에·싱가포르·룩셈부르크·페루·파키스탄 대사님들을 비롯해 박중훈 배우, 임형주 용산문화재단 이사장, 류진 한국경제인협회 회장, 김정수 삼양식품 회장 등 각계 오피니언 리더 50여명이 함께했습니다.

홍태선 건축가의 쇼팽 피아노 연주, 박중훈 배우의 ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, 한국에 대한 애정이 가득 담긴 파비오의 ‘인연’, 그리고 에밀리아 가토 대사와 K-IT 밴드의 ‘Il Mondo’까지!

음악과 웃음, 문화와 교감이 함께했던 CCF 2026의 특별했던 '히든 탤런트 챌린지'를 영상으로 함께 볼까요?

다음주에 올라올 문화소통포럼 CCF 2026 전체 하이라이트 영상도 기대 해 주세요!

What kind of event features an actor and Ambassadors singing, and an architect playing piano?

This year, CICI’s 17th Culture Communication Forum, CCF 2026, unfolded in a truly special way at the Residence of the Italian Ambassador.

Through the 'Hidden Talent Challenge,' leaders of the culture and communication fields revealed their hidden talents and shared a joyful evening filled with laughter, music, and connection.

More than 50 opinion leaders joined the event, including Italian Ambassador Emilia Gatto, Ambassadors from Belgium, Singapore, Luxembourg, Peru, and Pakistan, actor Park Joong-hoon, Lim Hyung-joo, Chairman of the Yongsan Cultural Foundation, Ryu Jin, Chairman of the Korea Enterprises Federation, and Kim Jung-soo, Chair of Samyang Foods.

The evening featured architect Hong Tae-sun’s piano performance of Chopin, Park Joong-hoon’s rendition of Can't Help Falling in Love, Fabio’s heartfelt performance of 'Fate' expressing his affection for Korea, and Ambassador Emilia Gatto and the K-IT Band performing Il Mondo together.

Shall we take a look at the special 'Hidden Talent Challenge' of CCF 2026, where music, laughter, culture, and connection all came together?

And don’t miss next week’s full highlight video of CCF 2026 coming soon!

#이탈리아대사 #박중훈 #파비오 #홍태선 #임형주
#문화소통포럼 #히든탤런트 #끼폭발현장

배우, 대사, 한복홍보대사가 열창하고, 건축가가 피아노를 치는 이 행사는 무엇일까요?올해 CICI의 17회 문화소통포...

26/05/2026

CCF 2026 문화소통포럼에 관한 기사가 아리랑TV, Korea JoongAng Daily, The Korea Times, The Korea Herald에 보도되어 공유합니다.

We are also pleased to share articles covering the CCF 2026 were featured in Arirang TV, Korea JoongAng Daily, The Korea Times, and The Korea Herald.

Arirang TV Link :
https://www.arirang.com/news/view?id=296397&lang=en

Korea JoongAng Daily Link :
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-05-21/culture/artsDesign/CICI-holds-17th-Culture-Communication-Forum-at-Italian-ambassadors-residence/2598310

The Korea Times Link :
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/people-events/20260522/forum-blends-diplomacy-with-hidden-talents-crowdsourced-ideas-on-k-culture?

The Korea Herald Link :
https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10743706?ref=naver

22/05/2026

CCF 2026 문화소통포럼에 관한 기사가 조선일보, 중앙일보, 조선비즈, JTBC 뉴스, 뉴스1, 뉴시스, 문화일보, 연합뉴스에 보도되어 공유합니다.

We are pleased to share that articles covering the CCF 2026 were featured in Chosun Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, Chosun Biz, JTBC News, News1, Newsis, Munhwa Ilbo, and Yonhap News Agency.

22/05/2026

디너 시간에는 에밀리아 가토 주한 이탈리아 대사님이 정성껏 준비해주신 뷔페가 마련돼 참석자들이 함께 식사를 즐기며 자유롭게 교류하는 뜻깊은 시간을 가졌습니다.

식사 중간에는 임형주 용산문화재단 이사장님의 깜짝 퍼포먼스도 이어졌습니다. ‘Il Mondo’를 열창하셨는데, 마이크 없이도 공간을 가득 채우는 아름다운 목소리에 참석자들은 큰 감탄과 박수를 보냈습니다.

행사 말미에는 행운권 추첨도 진행됐습니다. 미국 워싱턴, 태국 코사무이·후아힌, 싱가포르, 발리, 더한옥호텔 등 럭셔리 호텔 숙박권과 페르노리카 위스키, 로네펠트 티 세트 등 다양한 경품이 준비돼 현장의 즐거움을 더했습니다. 행운의 주인공이 되신 모든 분들께 다시 한번 축하드립니다.

바쁘신 일정에도 불구하고 CCF 2026 문화소통포럼에 참석해 자리를 빛내주신 모든 분들께 진심으로 감사드립니다.

During dinner, guests enjoyed a thoughtfully prepared buffet by H.E. Emilia Gatto, creating a meaningful opportunity to dine together and engage in lively conversation.

In the middle of the dinner, Lim Hyung-joo, Chairman of the Yongsan Cultural Foundation, surprised guests with a special performance of 'Il Mondo.' Even without a microphone, his beautiful voice filled the venue, drawing admiration and warm applause from the audience.

Toward the end of the evening, a lucky draw event added excitement to the celebration. A variety of prizes were prepared, including luxury hotel stay vouchers for Washington D.C., Koh Samui & Hua Hin in Thailand, Singapore, Bali, and The Hanok Hotel, as well as Pernod Ricard whisky and Ronnefeldt tea sets.

Congratulations once again to all the lucky winners.

We sincerely thank everyone who took the time from their busy schedules to attend and make the CCF 2026 such a memorable occasion.

#문화소통포럼 #한국이미지커뮤니케이션연구원 #주한이탈리아대사관저 #주한이탈리아대사관