National University Student Debate Competition: Korea University of Foreign Studies' Geum Ji-hyeok, Kim Se-won, and Hwang Ji-won Win Grand Prize

Gangbuk-gu to Host 11th National College Student Debate Competition on the 13th with the Theme 'Youth Speak on Democracy'
Cheongjeongjidae Team Wins Grand Prize... Total of 8 Teams Awarded

Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Soon-hee) announced on the 13th that as part of the ‘4·19 Revolution National Cultural Festival,’ the ‘11th National University Student Debate Competition’ was held, with the Cheongjeongjidae team (Geum Ji-hyeok, Kim Se-won, Hwang Ji-won from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies) winning the grand prize.

The ‘11th National University Student Debate Competition’ is a debate contest aimed at inheriting and promoting the spirit of the April 19 Revolution, which represents the history of freedom, democracy, and justice, and sharing the values of democracy. Teams of three, consisting of currently enrolled or on-leave university students nationwide, participate.

The competition was held under the theme ‘Youth Speak about Democracy.’ After preliminary and semifinal rounds in March, the final round took place on April 13 at the chapel of Hanshin University Seoul Campus. Four teams?Eum, Wonhyeonggu, Seongsugi, and Cheongjeongjidae?advanced to the finals.

The final round proceeded in the order of free-topic presentations, designated debates, open debates, and Q&A sessions. Judging was conducted by university professors with extensive knowledge and experience in political, economic, and social fields, including Professor Kim Ki-ho from Yonsei University’s Department of Sociology, Professor Lee Ki-ho from Hanshin University’s Liberal Arts Department, Professor Park In-hwi from Ewha Womans University’s Department of International Studies, Professor Jeon Byung-yu from Hanshin University’s Department of Economics, and Professor Kim Aram from Hallym University’s Department of Humanities.

As a result of intense debates among the four finalist university teams, the awards were as follows: ▲Grand Prize to Cheongjeongjidae (Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Award, prize money of 5 million KRW) ▲Excellence Award to Eum (Seoul Mayor’s Award, prize money of 3 million KRW) ▲Merit Awards to Wonhyeonggu and Seongsugi (Gangbuk-gu Mayor’s Award, prize money of 2 million KRW each). Additionally, four teams that reached the semifinals?Geopum Revolution, Saessak, Rockrush, and Yunhwal-yu?received the 4·19 Revolution National Cultural Festival Chairman’s Award (prize money of 1 million KRW).

Lee Soon-hee, Mayor of Gangbuk-gu, said, “This debate competition was a meaningful time to reflect together on the current state of democracy in the Republic of Korea,” and added, “I hope many will take an interest in the 4·19 Revolution National Cultural Festival so that the democratic ideals of April 19, which form the foundation of our nation as stated in the preamble of the Constitution, can be inherited and developed.”

Meanwhile, the eve event of the ‘4·19 Revolution National Cultural Festival’ is scheduled to be held on the 18th around Gangbuk-gu Office Intersection to Gwangsan Intersection. The highlight of the eve event, the ‘Rock Music Festival,’ will feature performances by singers Jang Yoon-jeong, Park Jung-hyun, Koyote, Daybreak, and Galaxy Express.