The 2025 Global Influencer Expo came to a successful close with its closing ceremony on November 16. Regarded as a key platform for strengthening cooperation in the digital economy, K-content, and the global influencer industry, the expo’s final highlight was the National Assembly Award Ceremony, where four figures received top honors: Daniel Koo, Chairman of Pasifik Group International; Luqmanul Hakim, CEO of HPNK Certification Center; Budi Utomo, Director of Industrial Services at Indonesia’s state-owned enterprise PT SUCOFINDO; and Irfan Yulius Yusuf, Secretary General of the Indonesia–Korea Bilateral Committee under KADIN Indonesia (Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
This year’s National Assembly Award was presented to individuals who have contributed to cultural and economic exchange between Korea and countries around the world through global platforms and content. The awardees were highly praised for their achievements in growing the influencer ecosystem, spreading the Korean Wave (Hallyu), supporting youth entrepreneurship, and building digital cooperation networks.
Daniel Koo, Chairman of Pasifik Group International, was recognized for building a global network platform that connects influencers with companies and public institutions, thereby actively supporting the overseas expansion of Korean brands. In his acceptance speech, Koo stated, “Influencers are no longer just marketing channels; they are important partners in fostering understanding and cooperation between countries,” adding, “I will continue to develop public–private cooperation models that fit the digital era.”
Luqmanul Hakim, CEO of HPNK Certification Center and a key figure in halal certification and business cooperation between Indonesia and Korea, was honored for successfully leading projects that connect Korean content with local creators, particularly in Southeast Asia, and for helping to build a mutually beneficial structure between Korea and local markets. He said, “As Korea and the world become united through content, the role of influencers is becoming ever more important,” and pledged, “I will use this award as a stepping stone to help more young creators advance onto the global stage.”
Budi Utomo, Director of Industrial Services at Indonesia’s state-owned PT SUCOFINDO, received the award for his contributions in supporting creative activities by socially vulnerable groups and youth in regional areas through digital campaigns that combine culture, education, and CSR (corporate social responsibility). He was especially commended for providing online education and collaboration opportunities to young people outside capital regions and overseas. “As platforms and technology advance, the opportunity gap should narrow, not widen,” he emphasized, adding, “We will continue to prioritize public interest and responsibility in building a sustainable influencer ecosystem.”
Irfan Yulius Yusuf, Secretary General of the Indonesia–Korea Bilateral Committee under KADIN Indonesia, was recognized for his pivotal role in elevating the Influencer Expo into an international event by overseeing various economic, investment, and tourism cooperation projects between the two countries. Acting as a coordinator connecting government bodies, businesses, and creator organizations from multiple nations, he has been credited with expanding the influencer industry into a new channel for diplomacy and cultural exchange. “This expo is not just an exhibition or a one-off event; it is the starting point of global cooperation for the next decade,” Yusuf noted, adding, “The National Assembly Award is the result of a collective effort, not an individual one.”
This year’s 2025 Global Influencer Expo brought together influencers, platform companies, startups, and public institutions from Korea and abroad, featuring a wide array of conferences, networking programs, and live-commerce showcases. The organizing committee commented, “Through the National Assembly Award, we wanted to send a clear message that the influencer industry must embrace social responsibility and public value,” and announced plans to further expand programs connected to ESG, digital ethics, and youth employment at next year’s expo.
With the awards ceremony and closing marking its end, the 2025 Global Influencer Expo is widely regarded as having delivered results befitting its slogan, “In the Digital Era, From Connection to Coexistence,” and is already looking ahead to the next edition.
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