Asia Business Daily Wins International Amnesty Media Award... 28th Ceremony Held

"Sexual Exploitation, Out" Wins Main Award
Recognized for Contributions to Human Rights Advancement
Record 120 Entries Submitted

The Asia Business Daily's investigative report, "Sexual Exploitation, Out," has received the 28th International Amnesty Media Award.

On March 23, the Korean branch of International Amnesty held an award ceremony at the Press Club on the 20th floor of the Korea Press Center in Seoul, according to an announcement on the 24th. The International Amnesty Media Awards select media coverage that has contributed to the advancement of human rights over the past year. Approximately 70 people, including award recipients, journalists, and human rights advocacy activists, attended the event.

Hyunju Lee, a reporter for The Asia Business Daily, receives the 28th International Amnesty Press Award on the 23rd at the Press Club on the 20th floor of the Korea Press Center in Seoul. International Amnesty

In addition to The Asia Business Daily, the main award was given to the following works: ▲The Hankyoreh's "Hidden Deaths of Migrant Workers at Salt Farms" ▲The Korea Times' "Filicide and Suicide: Recording the Tragedy" ▲EBS' "Children in Crisis, Invisible Rescue Signals" ▲Segye Ilbo's "While You Were Sleeping" ▲Maeil Labor News' "Serial Reports on Suspected Overwork Deaths at London Bagel Museum" ▲KBS' "We Were There That Day: 12·3 Martial Law Testimony Project" ▲SBS' "Investigative Report on the Kingdom of Coupang Led by Kim Beomseok."

The newly established regional and independent reporting category, the Candlelight Award, went to ▲Maeil Shinmun's "Daegu Isolation Report" and ▲Kyeonggi Ilbo's "Revealing the Reality of Youth Family Caregivers in Gyeonggi Province: Shadow Heads of Household."

The Special Award was presented to Choi Malja, who was at the center of a Supreme Court ruling that recognized a sexual assault survivor's right to self-defense for the first time in 61 years; Korea Women's Hot Line, which has supported victims and pushed for systemic improvements; and the legal team from Law Firm Jihyang, which represented the case. The recognition highlighted the significance of this judicial confirmation of victims' rights to self-defense as a milestone for gender equality and human rights protection.

The winners of the 28th International Amnesty Press Awards are taking a commemorative photo together. International Amnesty

Since its inception in 1997, the International Amnesty Media Awards have honored media coverage that raises awareness of the state of human rights in Korea and contributes to their advancement. Now in its 28th year, the awards received a record 120 entries, with a wider array of human rights topics covered compared to previous years.

The panel of judges commented, "We were able to witness the achievements of journalism that has uncovered human rights issues in our society, called for improvements, and driven change in the face of discrimination and hatred. Reporting that delved deeply into issues such as migrant workers, children and youth, labor, democracy, and civil liberties drew particular attention."

Sungshik Park, Chair of the Korean branch of International Amnesty, remarked in his welcome address, "In an era overflowing with information, the media must go beyond simple delivery to uncover hidden truths," adding, "Persistent reporting and coverage by journalists have become a vital force for change in our society."

Heekyung Cho, Secretary General of the Korean branch of International Amnesty, stated in her congratulatory speech, "In 2026, International Amnesty will continue to focus on core issues such as corporate and supply chain responsibility for human rights, digital rights and responses to technology-based gender violence, as well as bringing public attention to diverse human rights topics including the climate crisis, migrants, the right to assembly and protest, and freedom of expression. We will continue to support the media's role in highlighting human rights and work to expand these related agendas."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.