10 talented students win Multicultural Youth Award

By Kim Bo-eun

Nine students and a student council representing diverse backgrounds were recognized for their achievements and conduct at the fifth Korea Multicultural Youth Awards ceremony at the Press Center in Seoul, Monday.

The grand prize went to Ban Jun-hwi, a fifth grader at Yeongil Elementary School in Seoul. Ban, born to a Korean father and Chinese mother, was recognized for his achievements in math, science and the game of go. Ban won titles in national go tournaments in 2012 and 2014.

“I will think of this as an opportunity to do better and try and be an example to others,” Ban said after the ceremony.

Other winners include Lee Yu-ri, a fifth grader at the School of Global Sarang; Lee Ryu-kyeong, a sixth grader at Haeje Elementary School; and Gia Ashley Love, a second-year student at Daejeon Jijok Middle School.

Lim Ha-neul, a third-year student at Mokpo Hangdo Girls Middle School; Kim Ga-young, a first-year student at Goheung Youngju High School; and Kim Min-ryeong, a second-year student at Michuhol Foreign Language High School, were also among the winners.

The students excelled in various areas including leadership, foreign languages and writing.

Kim Dae-cheol, a third grader at Daejeon Daecheong Middle School, received the special jury award for his performance in science, while Kang Ji-yeon, a second grader at Daeil Foreign Language High School, won the special Semoon Chang award for her Russian language skills.

Masongjungang Elementary School’s student council, representing students from 13 countries, was awarded for its activities promoting understanding of students’ diverse cultural backgrounds.

The awards, organized by The Korea Times and sponsored by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, aim to encourage multicultural children who, at times, face prejudice due to perceived differences from indigenous Koreans.

Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said in a congratulatory message, “In the globalized and ever-more-globalizing world, there will be more opportunities for multiracial children to display their potential. I hope you will have the courage and try your best to make your dreams come true.”

Gender Equality and Family Minister Kang Eun-hee said, “Korea is rapidly becoming a more diverse society. Based on a report from the United Nations, multicultural families will account for 21 percent of total households in Korea in 2050. The ministry will continue to make efforts so that multicultural children can serve as valuable assets and hope for Korea’s future.”

Lee Chang-sup, president and publisher of The Korea Times, said the English daily will continue striving to improve the awards.

“All people living in Korea, including Koreans and North Korean defectors, people from both poor and rich countries, are friends in this multicultural society,” he said. “The Korea Times will make efforts to develop the awards based on this positive notion of multiculturalism.”

“Particularly this year, many of the applicants were bilingual or trilingual, being fluent in Korean, English and their father or mother’s mother tongue,” said Kim Joon-sik, honorary chairman of Asian Friends, who headed the jury.

“Multicultural children in Korea will be a great asset for the nation. Therefore we should encourage them with endless support.”

Other dignitaries who attended the ceremony included Philippine Ambassador Raul Hernandez, Bangladesh Ambassador Zulfiqur Rahman, Ecuadorian Ambassador Oscar Herrera Gilbert, Omani Ambassador Mohamed Salim Alharthy and Georgian Ambassador Nikoloz Apkhazava.

Hwang Min-woo, known as “Little Psy,” who received the special prize in the awards in 2012, gave a special performance at the ceremony.