Content awards go to 'Parasite,' 'Kingdom' and Pengsoo

The poster for the second season of the Korean zombie drama "Kingdom." [NETFLIX]

Oscar-winning film "Parasite," Netflix zombie thriller "Kingdom" and giant penguin character Pengsoo were among the winners of the 2020 Korea Content Awards, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Saturday.

The annual ceremony rewards local content that has contributed to the culture industry. This year, it will take place at CKL Stage Center in Seoul on Tuesday, with only a minimum number of award winners and staff members attending the event for safety reasons, according to the ministry.

Starting this year, the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit, the third-highest of five levels, will be given to those who have contributed to upholding the country's reputation and facilitating its economy through creative work.

The first cultural medal in that category will go to Kwon Hyuk-bin, the founder and board chairman of Smilegate Holdings, one of Korea's major online game developers, the ministry said.

Smilegate developed games including "Crossfire," "Epic Seven" and "Lost Ark." The games have been exported to 80 countries, amassing some 670 million users and making profits of 3.5 trillion won ($3.2 billion) from royalty fees.

Yonhap