KOICA, National Supporters 'WICO 2nd Generation' Online Launch Ceremony...120 Participants in Video Conference

Promoting KOICA and ODA at the Public's Level Through Various Missions Until December

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] KOICA announced on the 27th that it held the inauguration ceremony for the 2nd term of the KOICA National Supporters WeKO online in a non-face-to-face manner in response to the untact era caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 24th, KOICA set up a temporary video conference studio in the main auditorium of the KOICA headquarters in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, and held the ‘KOICA National Supporters WeKO 2nd Term’ online inauguration ceremony through a dual online live broadcast. This inauguration ceremony was held non-face-to-face to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to respond to the post-COVID-19 era.

120 national supporters (30 general citizens, 90 university students) participated via video conference, and they communicated in real-time with KOICA Chairman Lee Mi-kyung and executives present in the temporary studio, pledging a strong start for the 2nd term of WeKO.

Hosted by comedian Hong In-kyu, the event featured a variety of programs including ▲ screening of congratulatory videos ▲ oath-taking and appointment letter delivery by representatives ▲ a mini talk concert with KOICA Chairman Lee Mi-kyung ▲ communication events with KOICA executives (development cooperation OX quiz, acrostic poem) ▲ and a joint performance supporting the global fight against COVID-19.

During the congratulatory video screening, messages from KOICA overseas offices and famous figures from various social sectors were shown. Participants included actors Jung Joon-ho, Kim Soo-ro, Kim Hye-yoon; comedians Kim Dae-hee and the cast of “Delicious Guys” (Yoo Min-sang, Kim Jun-hyun, Kim Min-kyung, Moon Se-yoon); singers DinDin and Jung Se-woon; and songwriter Kim Ina, all cheering for KOICA and the supporters.

The mini talk concert with the chairman was conducted on the theme of ‘COVID-19 response achievements and KOICA’s ideal talent,’ with supporters participating via real-time chat for Q&A. The event concluded with KOICA executives and WeKO supporters unfolding blue handkerchiefs inscribed with “Moduda Deokbune” (“Thanks to Everyone”) in a group performance to support all those working hard to overcome COVID-19 worldwide.

A total of 2,074 applicants applied for the KOICA National Supporters WeKO 2nd term recruitment, held in the university (graduate) student and general citizen categories, recording high competition rates of 20:1 for university students and 7:1 for general citizens.

The appointed supporters will carry out various themed missions online for five months from the end of July to December, including ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) practiced in daily life’ and the ‘KOICA Promotion Idea Challenge.’ Based on these missions, they plan to produce SNS promotional content and conduct campaign activities to raise public awareness of KOICA and international development cooperation from the public’s perspective.

The final winner of the WeKO 2nd term activities will receive benefits such as ▲ KOICA Chairman’s Award and prize money ▲ opportunities to gain field experience in development cooperation (ODA) overseas ▲ and additional points when applying for KOICA youth internships (promotion field).

On the day, KOICA Chairman Lee Mi-kyung said, “In the global COVID-19 crisis, Korea’s role and responsibility through development cooperation are important, and each piece of content from WeKO 2nd term can be the public’s first recognition of development cooperation. I hope WeKO 2nd term, as ‘national ambassadors,’ will proudly spread KOICA, development cooperation, and SDGs widely through creative ideas and passion.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.