11 talented students honored in Multicultural Youth Awards

Dignitaries and winners of the 10th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards, including Minister of Gender Equality and Family Chung Young-ai, fourth from right in the front row, pose for photos after the awards ceremony at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

By Lee Hyo-jin

Eleven talented students from diverse backgrounds were recognized for their achievements and exemplary deeds at the 10th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards ceremony, Thursday.

The awards, hosted by The Korea Times, are aimed at encouraging students here from multicultural backgrounds, who at times experience hardship due to cultural barriers and discrimination.

The ceremony was held at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, with a limited number of participants who were fully vaccinated, adhering to the COVID-19 social distancing measures. Family members and teachers attended the event on behalf of recipients who could not attend.

The participants included four students from among the award winners, Gender Equality and Family Minister Chung Young-ai, the judges and representatives of the sponsors including Seong Sang-hwan, head of the Korean Association for Multicultural Education.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum delivered congratulatory remarks in a video message.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum delivers a congratulatory speech via a video message during the 10th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards ceremony held at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

"Thanks to you children of multicultural backgrounds, the inclusivity and diversity of our society is growing. Each and every one of you are precious members of our society," he said.

Kim vowed that the government would take a closer look at the hardships faced by the children and create a social atmosphere where all can benefit under the administration's policies on multiculturalism.

In her congratulatory speech, Minister Chung said, "We have been deeply touched by the stories of the award winning students, including grand prize winner Yang Geun-mo."

Gender Equality and Family Minister Chung Young-ai delivers a congratulatory speech during the 10th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards ceremony at the Korea Press Center, Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

"Our ministry has carried out various projects to create a more inclusive society for multicultural teenagers," she said, adding that it will soon introduce upgraded policies, through which the children will be provided with support in career planning.

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Oh Young-jin, president-publisher of The Korea Times, expressed gratitude to those who have contributed to the annual ceremony over the past decade, since it was established in 2012.

"The awards have contributed to spreading the life stories of excellent children growing up in multicultural and migrant backgrounds, as well as the stories of those who have supported them."

Oh Young-jin, president-publisher of The Korea Times, poses with Lee Jeong-in from Goseong High School in Gangwon Province, who was selected as a winner in the high school category, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

He added, "Unfortunately, we had to scale down the ceremony this year due to the pandemic. But I hope from next year, we will be able to resume festive events with congratulatory performances and more guests."

Cha Yun-kyung, board chairman of the Migrant Youth Foundation, who was one of the judges, said, "I am confident that the 11 winners will grow into valuable people who will lead the future of Korean society with their extraordinary sincerity and talents. You are our hope, leading toward a quality, multicultural Korea."

The grand prize, presented by Minster of Gender Equality and Family Chung, went to Yang Geun-mo from Geumsan Hightech Highschool in Geumsan, South Chungcheong Province. Born to a Vietnamese mother and Korean father, the 16-year-old boy was recognized for his hard-working attitude and warm heartedness in offering help to those in need.

Yang, who could not attend the event as he was undergoing self-quarantine after coming into close contact with a COVID-19 patient, delivered his acceptance speech in a video message.

"I am honored to have become the winner of the grand prize. Though children of multicultural background sometimes face problems, our biggest strength is that we can experience cultures of other countries from the early stages of childhood, which broadens our perspective in life. And with that, I hope every child from a biracial background will become confident in themselves."

Cha Yun-kyung, board chairman of the Migrant Youth Foundation, poses with Pak Olga, a senior at Kyongil High School of Tourism and Business Management and the winner of the special jury award. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Pak Olga from Kyongil High School of Tourism and Business Management in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, was presented with the special jury award.

Jo Un-ol, studying at Chonbuk Mechanical Technical High School in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, was presented with the outstanding volunteer prize, while Lee Jeong-in from Goseong High School in Gangwon Province was selected as the winner in the high school category.

Pyo Yoon-seo from Maehol High School in Osan, Gyeonggi Province, was the recipient of the inaugural Korean Association for Multicultural Education Award.

Seong Sang-hwan, head of the Korean Association for Multicultural Education, poses with Pyo Yoon-seo from Maehol High School, the recipient of the inaugural Korean Association for Multicultural Education Award. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

The plaque and prize money of 1 million won for students who could not attend the ceremony were either presented to their family members, or delivered to their homes.

Noh Yeon-kyeong at Shinha Elementary School in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, and Jun Blessing from Hanyang Elementary School in Seoul were awarded with outstanding student awards in the elementary school category.

Lee Yu-rim from Hopyeong Middle School in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, along with Wu Zhengxiu from Sunil Middle School in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, were the two winners in the middle school category.

Ban Jun-hwi at Gyeonggi International Trade School was honored with the outstanding student award in the high school category, while the Semoon Chang Award, presented to those with excellent language skills, went to Han Ga-in from Okgye Middle School in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province.