South Korean cultural icons including Oscar-winning actor Youn Yuh-jung, top comedian Yoo Jae-suk and K-pop bands BTS and aespa were among the six winners recognized at the 2021 Visionary Awards on Wednesday.

The second edition of the annual awards, presented by South Korean media and entertainment giant CJ ENM, recognizes individuals who created new trends in the entertainment business and contributed to the spread of Korean Wave.

The six winners -- Youn, Yoo, BTS, aespa, “Squid Game” director Hwang Dong-hyuk and cable channel Mnet’s hit program “Street Woman Fighter” director Choi Jung-nam -- were given the title of “visionary.”

Youn and Hwang were honored for presenting the values of mankind through her role in “Minari” and turning aspects of Korean culture into a global sensation in hit Netflix series “Squid Game,” respectively.

K-pop girl group aespa was recognized for its unique universe, where the virtual characters of each bandmate exist in a digital environment with 3D virtual spaces and augmented reality, introducing new possibilities to the music industry.

With her television show about music and dance, Choi was recognized for bringing a new perspective on dance to the Korean entertainment scene.

BTS and Yoo were on the visionaries list for two consecutive years, proving they are the irreplaceable characters in the broadcast and music industries of Korea, respectively.

“A lot of surprising events are happening with Korean content. As a comedian, I will do my best to create television and variety shows that can win both local and foreign viewers’ hearts,” a CJ ENM press release quoted comedian Yoo as saying.

With the emergence of the omicron variant and the extended COVID-19 pandemic, the awards ceremony was held in private.

BTS and Hwang were unable to attend the event in person due to overseas engagements.

CJ ENM announced that the company will be highlighting the contributions and achievements of the six visionaries in a special documentary that is scheduled to release in mid-December.

By Lee Si-jin (sj_lee@heraldcorp.com)