Hyundai’s SangYup Lee scoops international award

Hyundai’s design chief SangYup Lee has scooped the coveted Festival Automobile International’s (FAI) Grand Prize of Design for the Hyundai Prophecy. It marks the 36th time the prestigious award has been given and a significant recognition of Lee’s 20 year design career to date.

Lee joined Hyundai 2016 and has propelled the Korean OEM towards a more dynamic design language, which has been described as ‘sensual sportiness’. In 2018, Lee became Hyundai global design center head, culminating in the EV concept, Prophecy. It marks the latest in a string of awards Lee has picked up for the Prophecy, including a Red Dot award in 2020.

Lee said: “I believe that our duty is to work for a better future and help Hyundai to be recognised through design that is tailored to the needs of our customer’s lifestyles and their valuable time. I would like to share this glory with all my mentors and colleagues who have adopted me as a family throughout my career.”

The result of the FAI grand prize was never in doubt as the jury was unanimous in its recognition of Lee. “This year, the entire member voted for SangYup Lee and recognised his wonderful work,” said a FAI official. “The recognition is especially given for his contribution to Hyundai Prophecy’s aesthetic beauty and purity.”