Former U.S. ambassador wins Sejong Munhwa award

Former U.S. ambassador to Korea Kathleen Stephens and celebrated actors Cha In-pyo and Shin Ae-ra were named the recipients of the 32nd Sejong Munhwa awards, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Thursday.

Stephens, who served as the U.S. ambassador between 2008 and 2011, was nominated in the Korean culture category for maintaining a friendly relationship with the country since 1975 when she came to Korea as part of the Peace Corps and served as an English lecturer. 

Cha and his wife Shin were named in the international cooperation sector for their sponsorship of more than 52 underprivileged children from around the world and involving themselves in various charity events.

Marc Orange, former director of Institut des Etudes Coreennes de Collge de France, was named the recipient in the academic category for his contributions to Korean studies in France.

Professor Park In-ja at Sookmyung Women’s University and the Daum Foundation were recognized for their contributions to Korean ballet and cultural content, respectively.

The award ceremony will be held on May 13 at the National Gugak Center in Seoul

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)