Dignitaries and winners of the 12th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards pose during the award ceremony at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Thursday. Among the dignitaries were Minister of Gender Equality and Family Kim Hyun-sook, back row fifth from left, and Korea Times President-Publisher Oh Young-jin, back row left. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Twelve outstanding students from multicultural backgrounds as well as one teacher and one institute were honored at the 12th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards, Thursday, in recognition of their achievements and contributions.

The awards, presented by The Korea Times, are aimed at encouraging students from multicultural households who sometimes experience — and have to overcome — hardships resulting from cultural differences and language barriers as well as discrimination.

Gender Equality and Family Minister Kim Hyun-sook and the judges, including Kim Joon-sik, honorary chairman of Asian Friends, participated in the award ceremony held at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul.

Representatives of the sponsors including Seong Sang-hwan, head of the Korean Association for Multicultural Education, as well as winners of the awards and their family members also attended.

Gender Equality and Family Minister Kim Hyun-sook delivers a congratulatory message to winners of the 12th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

In her congratulatory message, the family minister highlighted the growing importance of children from multicultural backgrounds, saying they contribute to making Korea a more diverse society.

"As the number of children from multicultural backgrounds has kept increasing, the government faces an important task to support them so they can grow up as talented citizens," Kim said.

"The ministry has enhanced customized policies to lessen difficulties faced by these children in studying and finding their future career paths."

She noted the government plans to strengthen support for bilingual education for these children at family support centers across the country to help them study their parents' native languages from an early age.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo delivered his congratulatory remarks via video.

Attendees watch Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's congratulatory message via video during the 12th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards ceremony at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

"The government is actively formulating policies tailored to support multicultural students at every stage of their growth," Han said, noting that the government intends to double the related budget next year, with a primary focus on reducing educational disparities.

"Each of you is a valuable individual who will shape the future of our country," he added.

Korea Times President-Publisher Oh Young-jin expressed gratitude to the family ministry and judges who have helped with the annual awards since its establishment in 2012.

Oh Young-jin, president-publisher of The Korea Times, delivers his opening remarks during the 12th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards ceremony at the Korea Press Center in downtown Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

"When we began this award ceremony 12 years ago, 'multicultural' was an unfamiliar word. But at the time, I had huge confidence that a multicultural society will be the inevitable future," Oh said.

"These awards are aimed at informing the importance of people with multicultural backgrounds and their contribution to the society. We will continue to support all of you."

The grand prize, presented by the family minister, went to Nurgashevadilbek, a second grader at Kyongil High School of Tourism and Business Management located in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province.

Gender Equality and Family Minister Kim Hyun-sook, left, poses with Nurgashevadilbek, the grand prize winner of the 12th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards, during the award ceremony at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Born to Kazakhstani parents, he was recognized for his forward-looking attitude and leadership, which led him to become the first student president with a multicultural background in the school's history.

"This is an enlightening experience for me as I realized that the important thing is the process, not the result. I believe that I received this award based on efforts that I have made so far," he said.

Mariko Ryo Elmir, a fifth grader at Daegu Sindang Elementary School, and Huang Zhien, a second grader at Wonmi Elementary School in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, were selected as outstanding students in the elementary school category.

Korea Times President-Publisher Oh Young-jin, left, poses with Huang Zhien, center, a second grader at Wonmi Elementary School, and Mariko Ryo Elmir, a fifth grader at Daegu Sindang Elementary School, who were selected as outstanding students in the elementary school category of the 12th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

In the middle school category, Park Ji-yeong, a second grader at Jongchon Middle School located in Sejong City, and Park Soo-bin, a senior at Wonil Middle School located in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, were selected as winners.

The prizes in the high school category went to Park Su-min, a second grader at Gangwon Myeongjin School for the Blind located in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, and Youk Min-soo, a senior at Sejong Academy of Science and Arts located in Sejong City.

The Semoon Chang Award, presented to students with exceptional talent in foreign languages, went to Vanessa Lee, a fifth-grade student at Sangtap Elementary School in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, while Yang Yuri, a fifth grader at Sin-yong Elementary School in Gwangju, won the Korean Association for Multicultural Education Award.

Kim Joon-sik, left, honorary chairman of Asian Friends, poses with Vanessa Lee, a fifth-grade student at Sangtap Elementary School, who won the Semoon Chang Award, during the 12th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards ceremony at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Nguyen Duc Toan, a second grader at Youngseok High School located in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, and Choe Dae-gwon, a senior at Geumho Middle School located in Sejong City, won the Sharp Aviation K Award and the Trinity Award, respectively.

Lim Mi-eun, an experienced teacher who has taught Russian language for 26 years, and the You & Me Happiness Center located in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, won the outstanding volunteer awards for their dedication to supporting students and families with multicultural backgrounds.

Park Hye-mi, a senior at Gwangju Dongshin Girls' Middle School, was honored with the special jury award, but she could not attend the ceremony for personal reasons.