Coworking firm WeWork said on March 4 it successfully hosted a regional Creator Awards event in Seoul, announcing a group of finalists who will compete in the global contest to be held early next year.

WeWork’s Creator Awards is the coworking space giant’s initiative to support creators ranging from entrepreneurs and startups to performers and nonprofit organizations.

Seoul Creator Awards, the first regional semifinal competition this year, was held jointly with Seoul Metropolitan Government, attracting more than 1,000 applicants -- the largest number in Asia so far. 

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon(left) and Matthew Shampine, general manager of WeWork Korea.

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The Feb. 28 event, which was attended by some 2,700 local creators, city government officials, and executives from WeWork’s partner firms -- including FILA, AMCHAM, Kelly Services, FLO, Microsoft and Samsonite RED --started with opening remarks by Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon and WeWork Korea General Manager Matthew Shampine. Actress Claudia Kim, who starred in an “Avengers” sequel, took the stage as host.

Fresh Code, a salad delivery firm, topped the business venture category, taking home US$360,000, while Dot, a braille smartwatch maker, came second, winning US$180,000 in prize money.

Future Class Network, a platform to renovate the public education system, was chosen through a live vote as the winner of US$72,000 in the nonprofit category.

“As Fresh Code aims to create a good community with healthy food and shared delivery system, it is very meaningful for us to win at the award hosted by global community platform WeWork,” said Yoo Yi-kyung, marketing director at Fresh Code. “With the prize, we will continue to expand our business alongside the local community.”

Jinjo Crew, a well-renowned B-boy team led by Kim Heon-jun, bagged the first prize in performing arts category and gave a performance later. The dance troupe received US$18,000.

“I am truly impressed by the outstanding capabilities and enthusiasm of creators in Korea, and hope that everyone who attended Seoul Creator Awards was inspired by each other,” said Miguel McKelvey, co-founder and chief culture officer at WeWork.

The award competition was also celebrated with performances by artists including Eric Nam, Ailee, Mommy Son and Hyolyn.

“We are very pleased to be able to successfully host the Seoul Creator Awards with strong support from the local community,” said Shampine. “WeWork will continue to revitalize the local creator community and support the growth of creators in Korea.”

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@hearaldcorp.com)