Renowned Korean novelist Hwang Seok-young, 65, won the annual "Mark of Respect Award"
held by Jinro Ballantines, Korea's No.1 whiskey maker.
The award is given to a person who made great cultural and artistic achievements during the past year. Hwang was chosen through surveys conducted by the liquor company among journalists and consumers, who recognized his literary achievements, such as his 2007's hit novel "Baridegi". Hwang is one of the Korea's favorite writers with his ability to create stories that not only touch the hearts of those of his age, but also the younger generation. His work "Baridegi" sold over 400,000 copies last year, despite the sluggish state of the nation's publishing industry.
The 20 million won prize money will be donated to a group or organization designated by the winner. Hwang chose to donate the money to the city office of Taean in South Chungcheong Province, where more than a thousand volunteers are toiling to clean up the beaches and coasts that were destroyed by the nation's worst-ever oil spill last December.
Jinro Ballantines, headed by Jean-Christophe Coutures, joined hands with the French liquor company Pernod Ricard in 2005. Pernod Ricard has been the largest shareholder ever since and Jinro Ballantines has steadily kept its lead with the promotion of their famous liquors such as Imperial and Ballantines.
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