Dignitaries, winners and judges of the 13th Global Korea Youth Awards pose after the award ceremony at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Eleven outstanding students from diverse backgrounds and one institute were recognized for their achievements and contributions at the 13th Global Korea Youth Awards, Tuesday.

The awards, organized by The Korea Times, aim to encourage students from multicultural backgrounds who sometimes face challenges due to cultural differences or language barriers.

This year's ceremony marked the launch of the Global Korea Youth Awards, formerly known as the Korea Multicultural Youth Awards. The name change reflects Korea's growing diversity and emphasizes the aspirations of young people to connect globally and make a broader impact.

The ceremony, held at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, was attended by awardees and their family members, as well as Gender Equality and Family Vice Minister Shin Young-sook. The judges, including Kim Joon-sik, honorary chairman of Asian Friends, and foreign ambassadors to Korea were also present at the ceremony.

Additionally, representatives of the sponsors — Korean Association for Multicultural Education President Chang In-sil, University of Utah Asia Campus Chief Administrative Officer Gregory Hill, Homeplus Senior Vice President Yeon Tae-jun and Sharp Aviation K Executive Director Kim Se-young — also attended the event to celebrate the winners.

Attendees watch Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's congratulatory remarks via video during the 13th Global Korea Youth Awards ceremony at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

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

"The government is striving to implement practical policies aimed at directly supporting multicultural families," Han said.

He highlighted efforts to enhance tailored programs for education at various developmental stages as well as career planning and bilingual learning.

"The government has also introduced new subsidies to boost academic performance and support employment through educational initiatives," he said.

The vice minister stressed the important roles that students from diverse backgrounds can play in Korea's future.

"I look forward to the Global Korea Youth Awards serving as a strong supporter, helping our youth become global talents who will make Korea proud," Shin said.

She also highlighted the ministry's role as the leading government agency for multicultural family policies, noting its efforts to strengthen educational and career support tailored to various developmental stages.

"These initiatives aim to help children and youth from immigrant families grow up healthy and free from social disparities. We will continue to enhance policies to ensure that all immigrant families, regardless of their backgrounds, can overcome the challenges of life in Korea and lead happy, fulfilling lives," she said.

Kim Joon-sik, honorary chairman of Asian Friends, delivers a congratulatory speech during the 13th Global Korea Youth Awards ceremony at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Korea Times President-Publisher Oh Young-jin praised Korea's resilience during the recent political chaos, noting that the peaceful and festive protests by citizens reflect the nation's diversity and inclusiveness inherent in our society.

"All of you here play a significant role in enhancing the diversity and inclusiveness of our community," Oh said. "The cultural diversity you bring helps us become a more open society."

He emphasized that an open society embraces differences.

"Understanding that being different is not wrong but right provides the foundation for us to grow stronger and healthier as a nation," he said.

Oh further underscored the importance of fostering an environment where multiculturalism is supported.

"It is crucial to foster an environment where individuals from multicultural backgrounds can recognize their differences as strengths and take pride in them,” he said, explaining the background of renaming the awards.

Kim Joon-sik, honorary chairman of Asian Friends and a judge of the awards, underscored the importance of viewing multiculturalism and diversity as key national strengths.

"It is essential for the government and society to support the aspirations of approximately 200,000 youth from multicultural families who are thriving in Korea," he said. "By fostering their dreams, we can help them to become vital contributors to the nation's future."

Gender Equality and Family Vice Minister Shin Young-sook, left, poses with Hwang Yu-na, the grand prize winner of the 13th Global Korea Youth Awards, during the award ceremony at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

The grand prize went to Hwang Yu-na from Cheongshim International Academy in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province.

Born to a Chinese mother and Korean father, Hwang was recognized for her exceptional leadership, serving as vice president of her school's student council. With a strong passion for science and astronomy, she actively participates in various academic and extracurricular activities.

"I believe that globalization begins with understanding and embracing people from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds within our community," Hwang said. "I hope to serve as a bridge that connects people through my multicultural background."

She also expressed her gratitude, saying, "I appreciate everyone for recognizing the importance of youth in building a better and more inclusive future."

Uzbekistan Ambassador to Korea Alisher Abdusalomov applauds the awardees during the 13th Global Korea Youth Awards ceremony at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, Tuesday. On the left is Mongolian Ambassador to Korea Sukhbold Sukhee. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Maeng Ye-lin, a sixth grader at Seoha Elementary School in Hamyang, South Gyeongsang Province, and Kim Jeong-in, a sixth grader at Daap Elementary School in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, were selected as outstanding students in the elementary school category.

In the middle school category, Kim Tae-yang, a third grader at Wando Middle School in South Jeolla Province, and Kim Su-yeon, a third grader at Murung Middle School on Jeju Island, were selected as winners.

The prizes in the high school category were presented to Lee Ji-eun, a third grader at Doonchon High School in Seoul, and Lee Ji-na, a second grader at Wonju Finance Accounting High School in Gangwon Province.

Special recognition was also given in other categories. Oh Song-hui, a third grader at Daeja Middle School in Gwangju, received the special jury award, while Arabella Nia Joshua, a sixth grader at the School of Global SARANG in Seoul, was honored with the Semoon Chang Award for her exceptional foreign language skills.

Kim Won-hee, a third grader at Samgye Middle School in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, received the Korean Association for Multicultural Education Award, and Shadikhodjaeva Asilakhon Sherzodovna, a second grader at Sejong Arts High School in Sejong, won the University of Utah Asia Campus Award.

Meanwhile, the School of Global SARANG was selected as the winner of the outstanding volunteer award for its dedication to supporting students from multicultural backgrounds.