Seoul has selected eight recipients for the ‘1st Seoul Metropolitan Youth Awards’. There is one grand prize winner, three excellence award winners, and four merit award winners, including groups.
Since May, Seoul has discovered a total of 81 candidates through public recruitment. Out of a competition rate exceeding 10:1, the final eight were confirmed. The award was newly established this year to discover and encourage the challenges and achievements of youth.
The judging was conducted in two stages. The judging committee comprehensively reviewed contributions to youth policy, social ripple effects, and contributions in various fields. The selection aimed to equally recognize youths active in youth policy revitalization and community development.
The grand prize was awarded to Park Hee-sun, secretary general of Neulpum Value, who built youth-led governance in Gwanak-gu. Park participated in the policy formulation and implementation process as a youth network member, youth policy committee member, and Gwanak youth commissioner. He also contributed to Gwanak-gu being designated as the nation’s first youth-friendly city in February this year.
The excellence awards went to Kwon Yu-ri, Kim Si-hyun, manager of Pantech & Curitel, and Chung Seung-won, chairman of the Disability Rights Youth Student Network.
Kwon overcame reclusive life and supported the recovery of isolated youth. She participated in educational program operations and regional lecture tours. Kim contributed to expanding university students’ experiences by proposing youth job policies and facilitating corporate internships. Chung founded an organization that includes both disabled and non-disabled youth. He participated in the amendment process for the ‘Special Education Act for Persons with Disabilities’ in September 2022.
Two individuals and two groups were selected for the merit awards. Yoon In-han operated a YouTube channel to improve accessibility to youth housing information, continuing policy lectures and educational activities on housing. Ahn Hye-won, a nursing major, engaged in youth participation policy activities and planned community activities including youth and elders.
In the group category, the Seoul Metropolitan Youth Center and Friends of Light Sound Youth Dance Company were chosen. The Seoul Metropolitan Youth Center contributed to building a social safety net through youth subsidy monitoring and support consultations. It also facilitated an increase in users by operating a performance evaluation advisory committee. Friends of Light Sound Youth Dance Company regularly hosts dance performances with disabled and non-disabled people, providing various job opportunities for disabled youth artists.
The awards ceremony will be held at the ‘2025 Youth Day Commemoration’ in Seongsu-dong on September 20. Youth Day, according to the Youth Basic Law, is held every third Saturday of September annually. This year, it falls on September 20. Seoul will operate Seoul Youth Week around Seongsu-dong from September 19 to 20, with various programs prepared by local districts and youth centers.
Kim Cheol-hee, Seoul’s Future Youth Planning Director, stated, “The youth award is a starting point for sharing and expanding the meaning of young people’s efforts in various fields with citizens,” adding, “We will continue to create an environment where youth are respected and can demonstrate their capabilities.”