AKU-Washington Hosts Korean Dream Talk Contest

Global Peace Foundation

December 16, 2024

In a meeting room filled with people seated at tables, some displaying AKU-Washington name tags, a woman holds the microphone, engaging them in a dynamic Talk Contest. Bottles of water and papers scatter across the tables as attendees listen attentively.

AKU-Washington hosts the first Korean Dream Talk Contest.

The following excerpt is an unofficial translation from an article by Allice Yoon for Manna24 News. Alliance for Korea United (AKU) is a coalition of Korean American organizations and individuals advancing the cause for a united Korea that fulfills the historic ideals and aspirations of the Korean people.

Alliance for Korea United – Washington (President Yusook Kim) held the 1st Korean Dream Talk Contest. Ms. Inyoung Kang (Mclean High School VA, Grade 11) won the Grand Best Prize on December 13. This event was held by Alliance for Korea United to share the next generation’s views toward unification and their constrictive future vision with 15 middle and high school students in the Washington, DC, area. The participants wrote their essays and presented their speeches about the issues in which they have an interest in the area of unification and North Korean human rights with their thoughts and future vision.

The event was held at the Washington Korean Community Center, the students also had a Q&A session with Ambassador Julie Tanner, the U.S. Department of States U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues. Ms. In-young Kang received the Grand Best Award ($700) for her presentation titled “What kind of unification is needed for the MZ generation” Mr. Edward Y. Lee (Grade 8, Rocky Run Middle School) received the Grand Prize ($500) for his presentation titled “Why North and South Korea should Unify” Ms. Chloe Lee (Grade 10, Chantilly High School), Mr. Jaejun Lee (Grade 11, Okton High School), and Riwon Yu (Grade 10, TJHSST) received the Excellence Award ($200). Ms. Angelina Oh, Mr. Jaejun Lee, Mr. David Kim, Mr. Robert Yoon, Mr. Se-in Kim, and Ms. Se-ryeong Kim received the encouragement award ($100), and Mr. Ari Hyun, Ijun Yu, Ms. Kimberly Lee, and Ms. Rachel Krol received the Recognition Award ($50).