Won Min-kyong, sixth from right, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, poses with winners of the Global Korea Award at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno District, Thursday. Sixth from left is The Korea Times president-publisher Oh Young-jin, left is The Korea Times Managing Director of Content and Business Planning Kim Jae-kyoung, and right is Upbit Investor Protection Center Director Lee Hae-boong. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Outstanding students from multicultural backgrounds shared their stories and policy ideas with Minister of Gender Equality and Family Won Min-kyong, turning their personal experiences into proposals for change.
Winners of the Global Korea Award — hosted by The Korea Times to support multicultural students who often encounter hurdles rooted in cultural differences or language barriers — gathered for a luncheon with Won at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno District, Thursday.
“I read about each of your backgrounds and achievements. You are all truly remarkable,” Won said, explaining that the ministry is shifting from awareness campaigns toward policies that respond to what multicultural families and immigrant-background youth actually need.
The Korea Times president-publisher Oh Young-jin noted that multiculturalism, once an unfamiliar concept when the award launched 15 years ago, has become a natural part of Korean society.
“Seeing each of our winners, I feel a great sense of pride,” Oh said, adding that Korea, now playing an increasingly important role on the world stage, must embrace diversity to build on that standing.
Upbit Investor Protection Center director Lee Hae-boong echoed the sentiment, pledging the company's continued support for multicultural youth. Dunamu, operator of Korea's largest cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, is one of the award's sponsors.
“If you put down strong roots, a brilliant future will find its way to you,” Lee said.
The student also took the floor, each drawing from their own backgrounds to share stories and policy ideas.
Winners of the Global Korea Award join a mentoring session for multicultural youth at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno District, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Source: Korea Times News
