Kang Woo Hyon

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – welcome.

We are here because of one man.

Hans Christian Andersen is a continuing inspiration to all of us, for he represents the world made possible by the unlimited imagination of a child's mind.

Tonight, we salute two more members who have taken up the challenge Andersen set us over 200 years ago.

As an illustrator, I used to dream of someday producing images considered worthy of the great Danish master and his legacy. But as fate would have it, Nami Island, where I serve as the CEO, honorably became the official sponsor of the H.C. Andersen Awards for the next 10 years.

Just as Hans Christian created an imaginative world that has touched children for generations, Nami Island is committed to creating a world of fairytale – through the creation of book festivals and picture books that deliver the message of peace to children – in order to hopefully make children's life richer and more beautiful.

To Ms. Jutta Bauer and Mr. David Almond I offer my warmest and most sincere congratulations.

Nami Island is delighted to be associated with such excellence. Long may this respectful relationship continue to grow and leave a lasting legacy to all writers and artists for children.

Thank you very much.

Gam-sa-hap-ni-da.

Kang Woo Hyon, Santiago de Compostela, 11 September 2010

CEO Nami Island Inc