Coca-Cola Korea wins Grand Effie for second consecutive year at 2026 Effie Awards Korea

Coca-Cola Korea said Sunday it won the Grand Effie — the top prize at the 2026 Effie Awards Korea — marking its second consecutive win after last year's Coca-Cola Red Ribbon Campaign. It is the first time in the history of the Effie Awards Korea that a single brand has won the Grand Effie twice, and the first back-to-back win as well. The Effie Awards, launched in the United States in 1968, is now held in 125 countries and ranks among the most prestigious marketing communications competitions in the world.

The winning entry, "Coca-Cola X Sinheung Market," was a community collaboration project Coca-Cola carried out last year with merchants at Sinheung Market in Haebangchon. Eighteen stores in the market took part. To make the market a more inviting destination, the project transformed the space from the entrance through the alleyways and into individual shops, preserving each store's distinct character while weaving in Coca-Cola elements naturally. The company also provided signage, menus and other materials needed for day-to-day store operations.

Merchants said foot traffic to the market increased after the project, and the Sinheung Market Merchants' Association presented Coca-Cola with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of the collaboration. Coca-Cola plans to launch a second season of "Coca-Cola X Sinheung Market" in the second half of this year.

Lee Sang-su, senior marketing director at Coca-Cola Korea and the project's overall lead, said the consecutive Grand Effie wins reflected the strength of working alongside local businesses. "From last year's Red Ribbon Campaign to this year's Sinheung Market project, our collaborations with local businesses have earned the Grand Effie two years in a row," he said. "We will continue building partnerships that allow us to grow together."