What Is GQ MOTY? GQ Hong Kong To Host Inaugural GQ Men Of The Year Awards
What Is GQ MOTY （Men Of The Year）?
As a globally renowned authority on men’s fashion and lifestyle, GQ Men of the Year honours influential individuals who have demonstrated excellence across various fields each year. Since its inception in 1996 by GQ’s U.S. edition, the annual GQ MOTY has celebrated outstanding achievements in fashion, business, entertainment, sports, art, and technology. These honourees embody style, innovation, and influence—qualities that have earned GQ Men of the Year its reputation as a “hall of fame” for the world’s most impactful personalities.
To honour trailblazers around the world, each GQ edition participates in the annual Men of the Year event, independently selecting individuals who embody the spirit of MOTY in their respective regions. Each honouree graces the cover of their local edition, with the event serving as a tribute to the pioneers shaping culture, trends, and ideas.
The Legacy Of GQ MOTY
30 years ago, the very first GQ Men of the Year event, held in 1996, honoured a diverse roster of influential figures who had left an indelible mark on their respective fields. The honourees included:
Film: Mel Gibson
TV Entertainment: Jerry Seinfeld
Sports: Michael Jordan
Most Stylish: Pat Riley
Humanitarianism: Jimmy Carter
Business: Bill Gates
TV News: Tom Brokaw
These trailblazers set the standard for what it means to be GQ Men of the Year—icons who shape culture, push boundaries, and leave an enduring legacy.
As 2025 draws to a close, GQ Hong Kong is set to launch its inaugural Men of the Year Issue and host its first-ever MOTY event.
GQ Hong Kong’s Inaugural Men of the Year honourees
This year is not only special because it marks the 30th anniversary of GQ Men of the Year but also because it is the first time GQ Hong Kong is joining this prestigious global celebration. To commemorate the occasion, GQ Hong Kong has selected five trailblazers for its inaugural Men of the Year issue.
Spanning Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, and South Korea, this lineup reflects Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan character and international outlook. Here are the honourees who are gracing the covers of GQ Hong Kong’s inaugural Men of the Year Issue:
- Lee Byung-hun (South Korea): Internationally celebrated for his stellar acting talent, Lee Byung-hun’s illustrious career spans more than three decades. As one of South Korea’s most acclaimed actors, he is a rare “Grand Slam” winner of the nation’s most coveted top three acting awards, cementing his legacy in his country and beyond.
- Louis Koo (Hong Kong): With a career spanning over 30 years, Louis Koo stands as a true icon of the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Renowned not only for his legendary acting career but also for his pivotal role in championing the revival and development of Hong Kong cinema behind the scenes, Koo remains a driving force in the industry.
- Ren Meguro (Japan): A rising star in the Japanese entertainment industry, Ren Meguro is a member of sensational Japanese boy band Snow Man. Armed with remarkable versatility as a singer, dancer, and actor, Ren is only getting started.
- Yu Shi (Mainland China): Emerging as one of the brightest stars in Chinese cinema, Yu Shi, also known as Yosh, has captivated audiences with his dynamic performances in blockbuster hits such as Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms and the critically acclaimed To the Wonder. His talent and on-screen presence place him at the forefront of his generation’s most promising actors.
- Han So-hee (South Korea): One of South Korea’s most compelling actresses, Han So-hee is known for her deeply nuanced and transformative portrayals of complex female characters. Her ability to bring diverse roles to life has firmly established her as a leading force in contemporary Korean cinema and television.
These five trailblazers, each representing a different region, unite on the inaugural GQ Hong Kong Men of the Year cover, celebrating their individual accomplishments while showcasing the collective strength and influence of Asian talent.
What makes GQ Hong Kong’s MOTY special?
The inaugural GQ Hong Kong Men of the Year is particularly significant not only because it commemorates GQ MOTY’s 30th anniversary but also because it highlights Hong Kong’s unique status as a crossroads of cultures.
This year’s MOTY cover lineup features one of the most exciting assemblies of Asian stars in recent history. With icons spanning Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, and South Korea—Lee Byung-hun, Louis Koo, Ren Meguro, Yu Shi, and Han So-hee—the issue represents an unprecedented collective of Asian icons who are making waves globally.
More groundbreaking still, GQ Hong Kong shatters traditional “Men of the Year” boundaries by featuring Han So-hee as the sole female honouree. Her inclusion underscores the message that influence and impact transcend gender. These five luminaries not only rewrite the rules within their respective industries but also redefine the possibilities of contemporary Asian culture.
For 30 years, GQ Men of the Year has stood as a witness to cultural and generational shifts, offering more than a recognition of achievement—it serves as a declaration of influence. With its inaugural MOTY issue, GQ Hong Kong takes its place on this global stage, spotlighting Asian trailblazers and elevating their influence worldwide.
Stay tuned to GQ Hong Kong’s website and social media platforms for live updates and exclusive content.
