"Love, Hope, and Respect for Others"... Wishes of Musan Cultural Awards Recipients

The 2nd Musan Cultural Awards
Kwon Yeo Sun, Yang Sungwon, and the Lee Taeseok Foundation
Each receives a prize of 100 million won

"I hope that we can have hope together, trust one another, and treat each other with such heartfelt emotion that we are moved to tears whenever we meet anyone." - Kwon Yeo Sun, novelist

"The reason our society does not collapse in this selfish world is because of the love between people. I hope the spark of love will spread throughout our society." - Koo Soo Hwan, chairman of the Lee Taeseok Foundation

"Respect and reflection for humanity are deeply connected to the direction and depth that art pursues." - Yang Sungwon, cellist

At the press conference for the 2nd Musan Cultural Awards held on the afternoon of the 30th at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, the recipients from each field unanimously emphasized the importance of compassion for others in their acceptance speeches.

On the afternoon of the 30th, novelist Kwon Yeo Sun delivered her acceptance speech at the 2nd Musan Cultural Awards ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. Seorak Manhae Ideology Practice Promotion Foundation

Kwon Yeo Sun, the winner in the literature category, received praise from the judges for her "literary achievements that gaze into painful memories without letting go of the bonds of compassion and empathy."

In March, Kwon experienced a near-death episode after being rushed to the emergency room in shock. She spoke about the pain of not being able to read or write due to her poor health, saying, "The pain I experience feels as vast as the sky, yet I can hardly feel even a fistful of another person's pain. I believe it is literature that enables us to feel that pain," and added, "I hope my novels can expand the boundaries of suffering."

The Lee Taeseok Foundation, winner in the socio-cultural category, was highly praised for continuing the legacy of the late Father Lee Taeseok by providing medical support to South Sudan and Ukraine, as well as operating the Lee Taeseok Leadership School in both South Sudan and Korea. Koo Soo Hwan, a former KBS producer and chairman of the Lee Taeseok Foundation, said, "While working on investigative programs, I thought there were many bad people in society, but through the foundation, I met many people who wanted to help," and continued, "I often wondered what kind of gift I could give to those people. My goal is to nurture leaders who practice the spirit of 'servant' leadership."

On the afternoon of the 30th, cellist Yang Sungwon delivered an acceptance speech at the 2nd Musan Cultural Awards ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. Seorak Manhae Ideology Practice Promotion Foundation

Cellist Yang Sungwon, the recipient in the arts category, was recognized for his work as artistic director at numerous domestic and international music festivals, such as the Pyeongchang Daegwallyeong Music Festival and France's Festival Beethoven de Bon, where he promoted cultural exchange and artistic inspiration through music.

He stated, "Music has no words, but sometimes it conveys even more, and the resonance of sound soothes wounds that have lasted a long time. It also contains lessons for the next generation, which humanity seeks to impart," and emphasized, "Through music, I will strive to become a link connecting people to people, and the world to the world."

The Musan Cultural Awards, now in its second year, were established last year by the Seorak Manhae Ideology Practice Promotion Foundation to honor and promote the artistic spirit and philosophy of coexistence and harmony of poet Musan Jo Ohyun. Winners are selected in three fields: literature, socio-culture, and arts, with each receiving a prize of 100 million won.