Special Theme Focuses on Independence Activist ‘Lee Hoe-young’ and the ‘Korean War’
Students attending Korean schools in Northern California had the opportunity to showcase the skills and knowledge they have developed in Korean language, history, and culture at the annual writing and art competitions hosted by the Korean Schools of Northern California (KSNC). This year marked the 31st annual writing competition and the 24th art competition.
In a special initiative this year, KSNC partnered with the Jin-duck & Kyung-sik Kim Foundation and the San Francisco & Bay Area Korea Center to hold themed competitions focusing on Independence activist Lee Hoe-young(이회영) and the Korean War.
Jonathan H. Kim, President of the Jin-duck & Kyung-sik Kim Foundation and the San Francisco & Bay Area Korea Center, said the competition aimed to instill in students the patriotic spirit of their ancestors. “On the 80th anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day, we hope students learn about Lee Hoe-young, who dedicated everything to Korea’s independence, and carry forward the spirit of patriotism and devotion to the nation” Kim explained. He also emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of Korean War veterans in Northern California, whose efforts helped Korea grow into the economic and cultural powerhouse it is today.
The KSNC competitions took place on August 10 at New Life Korean School in Fremont, with the award ceremony held a week later on August 17 at the same location. Schools offered special lessons about Lee Hoe-young, and students submitted reflections and works based on what they learned.
At the awards ceremony, KSNC President Lee Mi-jeon expressed pride in the students: “I am proud of all the students who participated and expressed their learning through writing and art. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the parents and teachers who support education with dedication.”
Judging Chair Susie Coover(송지은), former KSNC president, praised the participants, noting, “The children’s pure perspectives, creative expression, and focus during the competition were truly moving. Congratulations to all the winners, and I hope they continue to explore and express their unique worlds through such opportunities.”
Jonathan H. Kim also attended the ceremony to encourage students. Additionally, a special video message from Lee Jong-geol, former South Korean National Assembly member and chairman of the Lee Hoe-young Memorial Society, was shared. Lee, the grandson of Lee Hoe-young, has visited Northern California several times to promote his grandfather’s legacy and inspire patriotism in Korean American communities.
Huh Hye-jung, director of the San Francisco Korean Education Center, also attended to deliver congratulatory remarks. Following the speeches, awards and scholarships were presented.
Park So-ri received the grand prize in the writing competition, and Kim Na-hyun won the grand prize in the art category. Both students were awarded a $500 SaeHaneul Fund scholarship along with their certificates. In the special theme competitions, Park Seo-rin won the writing prize for Lee Hoe-young, Park Seo-hyun won the Korean War writing prize, and Kim Jae-ah received the Korean War art prize. These winners were awarded $500 scholarships and certificates from the Jin-duck & Kyung-sik Kim Foundation and the San Francisco & Bay Area Korea Center, personally presented by Jonathan H. Kim.
Jonathan H. Kim also encouraged widespread participation in the 80th Liberation Day celebrations on August 16 at San Francisco City Hall, an event that will include Korean Americans, local officials, and performers invited from both Northern California and Korea.
The award-winning works on Lee Hoe-young and the Korean War will be displayed and read aloud during the Liberation Day celebration and at a preceding event honoring Korean War veterans.
In a special initiative this year, KSNC partnered with the Jin-duck & Kyung-sik Kim Foundation and the San Francisco & Bay Area Korea Center to hold themed competitions focusing on Independence activist Lee Hoe-young(이회영) and the Korean War.
Jonathan H. Kim, President of the Jin-duck & Kyung-sik Kim Foundation and the San Francisco & Bay Area Korea Center, said the competition aimed to instill in students the patriotic spirit of their ancestors. “On the 80th anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day, we hope students learn about Lee Hoe-young, who dedicated everything to Korea’s independence, and carry forward the spirit of patriotism and devotion to the nation” Kim explained. He also emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of Korean War veterans in Northern California, whose efforts helped Korea grow into the economic and cultural powerhouse it is today.
The KSNC competitions took place on August 10 at New Life Korean School in Fremont, with the award ceremony held a week later on August 17 at the same location. Schools offered special lessons about Lee Hoe-young, and students submitted reflections and works based on what they learned.
At the awards ceremony, KSNC President Lee Mi-jeon expressed pride in the students: “I am proud of all the students who participated and expressed their learning through writing and art. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the parents and teachers who support education with dedication.”
Judging Chair Susie Coover(송지은), former KSNC president, praised the participants, noting, “The children’s pure perspectives, creative expression, and focus during the competition were truly moving. Congratulations to all the winners, and I hope they continue to explore and express their unique worlds through such opportunities.”
Jonathan H. Kim also attended the ceremony to encourage students. Additionally, a special video message from Lee Jong-geol, former South Korean National Assembly member and chairman of the Lee Hoe-young Memorial Society, was shared. Lee, the grandson of Lee Hoe-young, has visited Northern California several times to promote his grandfather’s legacy and inspire patriotism in Korean American communities.
Huh Hye-jung, director of the San Francisco Korean Education Center, also attended to deliver congratulatory remarks. Following the speeches, awards and scholarships were presented.
Park So-ri received the grand prize in the writing competition, and Kim Na-hyun won the grand prize in the art category. Both students were awarded a $500 SaeHaneul Fund scholarship along with their certificates. In the special theme competitions, Park Seo-rin won the writing prize for Lee Hoe-young, Park Seo-hyun won the Korean War writing prize, and Kim Jae-ah received the Korean War art prize. These winners were awarded $500 scholarships and certificates from the Jin-duck & Kyung-sik Kim Foundation and the San Francisco & Bay Area Korea Center, personally presented by Jonathan H. Kim.
Jonathan H. Kim also encouraged widespread participation in the 80th Liberation Day celebrations on August 16 at San Francisco City Hall, an event that will include Korean Americans, local officials, and performers invited from both Northern California and Korea.
The award-winning works on Lee Hoe-young and the Korean War will be displayed and read aloud during the Liberation Day celebration and at a preceding event honoring Korean War veterans.
