
Seoul, Republic of Korea – The White Veil Convention Center hosted the 14th annual Global Proud World Person Awards on November 11th. This award recognizes outstanding individuals who contribute significantly to society in diverse ways and honors their quiet intent to make the world a better place. I was invited to attend this year's ceremony.
Hosted by the International Journalist Club Foundation, the award ceremony was a true celebration. Guests from around the world gathered to honor those who've made incredible contributions in politics, diplomacy, arts, and business. The award has an impressive track record, having honored figures such as former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Convention Chairman Kim Inyoung and Organizing Committee Chairman Kim Jaesoo oversaw the event and clearly know how to put on a great show.

Meeting the Changemakers
This year's awards were especially exciting, with 13 main winners and 7 special award recipients. It was exciting to see the range of achievements celebrated.
Here's the lowdown on the 13 main winners of the 14th edition:
- Kim Daesik (Member of Parliament) – Politics
- Seo Gwiwon (Chairman, Kookje News Seoul HQ) – Media
- Kim Yoojung (Director, Donga Art & Culture Center) – Culture & Arts
- Shin Heehyun (Former Commander, ROK Army 2nd Operations Command) – National Defense
- Yeom Seongjin (Secretary-General, Korean Peninsula Future Development Association) – NGO
- Jung Jincho (Chairman, Anti-Aging Center Co., Ltd.) – Anti-aging Health Food
- Yoo Jaechun (Chairman, Seoul Chuksan Saemaeul Geumgo) – Finance
- Han Dongyeol (CEO, DNTG Co., Ltd.) – Social Contribution
- Park Soobok (Chairman, Angyeon Memorial Association) – International Culture & Arts Contribution
- Son Okkyung (Professor, Henan Normal University, China) – Diplomatic Contribution
- Yeo Sangjin (CEO, SJ Tech Co., Ltd.) – Distribution
- Lee Jeongyoon (Member, Hongseong-gun Council, Chungcheongnam-do) – Politics
- Hong Bopyo (Chairman, Fourseason & Gangnam) – Wedding Service
And the special awards went to:
- Getnet Lemma (Secretary-General, Ethiopian Evangelical Church Council) – Religious Development Contribution
- Than Htun (Ambassador of Myanmar) – Diplomatic Contribution
- Yang Seungjo (38th Governor of Chungcheongnam-do) – Local Autonomy Contribution
- Park Jongchun (Chairman, Korea General Machinery Technology Co., Ltd.) – International Business Development Contribution
- Liz Kim (CEO, K-LIZ Gallery & Universe) – Global Art & Culture Innovation Contribution
- Kim Sungbae (Advisor, Kukkiwon) – Taekwondo Development Contribution
- Kim Jeonghae (CEO, Open World) – Overseas Volunteer

Art as Unifier
One of the most moving moments of the night was when Liz Kim, CEO of K-LIZ Gallery & Universe, went up to accept her Special Award. Her passion for art was shown in her speech:
"Last year, through the special Korea-France exchange exhibition during the Paralympics 2024 《‘BLANC’ in Paris, I deeply felt the true value of equality and exchange that art possesses, transcending the boundaries between disabled and non-disabled,” she said. She saw this award as a “warm encouragement.” Then added that the《𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗫 𝗗𝗮𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘆𝗲𝗼𝗷𝗶𝗱𝗼: 𝗠𝗮𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗩𝗔𝗦》exhibition will continue into next year. “I will continue to do my best to ensure that art becomes a bridge connecting everyone across borders,” she concluded

Afterparty
After the formal ceremony, the event shifted into celebration mode with a tasty dinner and live performances (singers, dancers, even a magic act). The mood quickly changed from formal to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Honorees, organizers, and guests mingled, sharing stories and congratulations.
The evening finished with a sense of true celebration, giving the attendees a chance to unwind, chat, and enjoy a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. The 14th Global Proud World Person Awards were a complete success and a reminder that behind every global achievement is a dedicated, passionate person.
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