Stellar Blade Director Receives Presidential Honor from South Korea
National recognition highlights the global rise of Korean game development
South Korea’s game industry has reached another major milestone as Hyung-tae Kim, CEO of Shift Up and director of the action title Stellar Blade, has received a Presidential Commendation from the President of South Korea. The honor recognizes his outstanding contribution to the growth and international recognition of the Korean game industry, marking a significant moment not only for the individual but also for the nation’s creative sector as a whole.
Stellar Blade with its nationally recognized achievements
According to local reports, the award was presented on December 10 during the Korea Content Awards 2025, held in Seoul. This national-level accolade is granted to individuals who have played a key role in strengthening the competitiveness of Korea’s cultural and creative industries, including games, entertainment, and digital content. The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency.
Shift Up has steadily built its reputation on the global stage in recent years. The studio previously received recognition in 2023 for the international success of Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, a title praised for its strong overseas market performance. In 2024, Stellar Blade further cemented the studio’s standing by demonstrating that Korean developers are capable of delivering high-quality, console-focused AAA experiences that can compete globally.
Following the ceremony, Hyung-tae Kim expressed his gratitude to the development team and the global fan community who supported the project. He also shared Shift Up’s forward-looking vision, which includes upcoming projects such as Project Spirits, a new multi-platform title developed in collaboration with Yongxing Interactive and published by Level Infinite. In addition, plans for a Stellar Blade sequel are already underway, with Sony Interactive Entertainment overseeing the project.
Stellar Blade itself is known for its fast-paced, timing-based action combat that emphasizes precision, evasion, and skill-driven encounters. Boss battles are designed to stand apart from standard enemies, requiring players to adapt strategies and master combat mechanics to succeed. The game has also expanded through downloadable content, introducing challenging boss fights and exclusive rewards, further strengthening its appeal among action game fans.
This recognition from South Korea’s highest office reflects a broader shift in how Korean games are perceived worldwide. What was once a market dominated by online and mobile titles is now producing globally recognized console experiences, signaling a new era for the industry.
THIS IS OUR SAY
Stellar Blade’s success and this presidential honor prove that Korean developers are no longer chasing global relevance, they are defining it. This moment feels less like a peak and more like the beginning of a long climb toward global leadership in AAA game development.
Origin: automaton
