10 students, 2 volunteer bodies win multicultural youth awards
Winners of the 7th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards, hosted by The Korea Times, and honored guests pose after the award ceremony at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Thursday. Ten students and two volunteer groups received the awards. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
By Kang Seung-woo
Ten students and two volunteer groups were honored at the 7th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards, Thursday, for their achievements and exemplary deeds.
The award ceremony was held at the Korea Press Center in Seoul and attended by some 100 people ― the award winners, their family members and dignitaries such as Gender Equality and Family Minister Jin Sun-mee, Rep. Lee Jong-kul of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and three foreign ambassadors to Korea
The awards, organized by The Korea Times, aim to encourage biracial children living here who at times struggle due to cultural barriers and discrimination.
The grand prize went to Choi Nyeong-ju from Buyeong Girls' High School in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province. The 16-year-old, born to a Korean father and Japanese mother, was recognized for her personality and academic achievements.
Gender Equality and Family Minister Jin Sun-mee stands with Choi Nyeong-ju, grand winner of the awards, after presenting her the prize at the award ceremony. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
“I hope that many other students from multicultural families will engage in volunteer programs and other outside activities, which I believe will break down stereotypes and prejudices that many have of multicultural families,” Choi said in her acceptance speech.
Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon sent a video message to congratulate the winners, promising to create a country, where everyone can live well together.
“Korea is rapidly turning into a multicultural society. However, we are still not ready for these changes,” Lee said. “The government will undertake meticulous preparations for this. We will not let a single child suffer from discrimination or prejudice.”
Minister Jin said, “I believe today's awards will encourage children to continue putting in the effort required to make their dreams come true.”
Students from the Jiguchon Part Child Center in Guro-gu, Seoul, perform a song at the ceremony. Jiguchon received the outstanding volunteer group award. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
She added that the ministry will help the children display their capabilities and develop their potential without facing discrimination or prejudice.
“I highly praise the winners' efforts to overcome the difficulties they face in their life,” Rep. Lee said. “I hope each of you will pursue your dreams.”
The Korea Times President-Publisher Lee Byeong-eon said the award winners will become great assets to society in the era of globalization.
“All of you have the great potential to draw global attention someday with your own stories. I also believe you will grow into future leaders of Korean society,” he said.
Cha Yun-kyung, a professor of multicultural education at Hanyang University who was one of the judges, said, “What they have achieved does not end as individual glory; it is a signpost that suggests new directions for the people and society they represent.”
Fashion model Han Hyun-min, a member of a multicultural family who attended the awards as a special guest, gives a speech to the awardees. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
The awards for outstanding high school students went to Jung Da-eun from Geumnam High School in Hadong County, South Gyeongsang Province, and Na Ha-min from Munhyang High School in Jangseong County, South Jeolla Province.
Kim Tae-hee from Buwon Girls' Middle School in Incheon and Jung Ji-yang from Seondeok Girls' Middle School in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, were awarded in the middle school category.
Kim Ye-won from Jaeun Elementary School in Sinan, South Jeolla Province, and Lee Ji-eun from Hansan Elementary School in Seoul were the two winners in the elementary school division.
Na Su-jin from Ansan International Business High School in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, won the Semoon Chang award for her linguistic talent in Russian. The award was named after Chang, an economics professor at the University of South Alabama who has written columns for The Korea Times for 18 years.
Rep. Lee Jong-kul of the Democratic Party of Korea presents a plaque to Jung Da-eun, the outstanding high school student winner, during the award ceremony. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Hong Ye-seul from Uijeongbu Singok Elementary School in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, and Sa Sun-gung from Seonghwan Elementary School in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, won the special jury award and the Asian Friends Hope Scholarship, respectively.
Okcheon Elementary School in Haenam, South Jeolla Province, and Jiguchon Part Child Center in Seoul were also recognized for taking care of multicultural families and helping them adapt to society.
Model Han Hyun-min, born to a Nigerian father and Korean mother, attended the ceremony to congratulate the awardees.
In celebration of the annual event, the choir of the Jiguchon Center gave a congratulatory performance.
Other dignitaries included Australian Ambassador James Choi, Philippine Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez, Singaporean Ambassador Yip Wei Kiat, Bangladeshi first secretary Ruhul Amin, Sri Lankan charge d'affaires Jagath Abeywarna, and Zambian minister counselor Faith Chola Mbula.