Shinhan University Holds 'D.MZ Korea-Japan Handwritten Letter Contest' Award Ceremony: "Opening the Path to a Future of Mutual Prosperity"

Award Ceremony Successfully Held for Elementary, Middle, High School, University, and International Students Across Korea

Shinhan University (President Kang Sungjong) held the "2025 D.MZ Korea-Japan Diplomatic Normalization 60th Anniversary Handwritten Letter Writing Contest Award Ceremony" on the 13th at the Bethel Hall Seminar Room of Shinhan University.

Shinhan University (President Kang Sungjong) held the '2025 D.MZ Korea-Japan Normalization of Diplomatic Relations 60th Anniversary Handwriting Letter Contest Award Ceremony' on the 13th at the Bethel Hall Seminar Room of Shinhan University. Provided by Shinhan University

This contest was organized to mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, with the aim of fostering a future-oriented improvement in bilateral relations. Rather than repeating historical issues, the contest sought to encourage the younger generations of Korea and Japan to take the lead in hoping for a future of mutual prosperity and to strengthen communication between the two countries.

The main theme of the contest was "We Want a Future Together." Participants chose one of three sub-themes-'Environmental and Climate Crisis,' 'Cultural Exchange,' or 'Building the Future Together'-and wrote letters accordingly. Winners were selected through a judging process.

During the award ceremony, President Kang Sungjong of Shinhan University, Executive Vice President Jeong Jingyeong, Professors Kim Munwon and Choi Jaecheol, Director Oh Se-in of the Lifelong Education Center, as well as the principals of Shinheung Middle and High School and Hanbit Nuri High School, along with deans and directors representing the heads of their respective institutions, presented certificates of commendation to the awardees, adding significance to the event.

The organizers awarded certificates to 164 individuals from a total of 24 organizations, including awards from the Governor of Gyeonggi Province, the Superintendent of Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, National Assembly members Woo Wonshik and Kim Sunghwan, the Superintendent of Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education, and The Kyunghyang Shinmun, among other local government and institutional leaders.

Notably, the most distinctive feature of this contest is that the winning letters will be compiled and sent directly to the Emperor of Japan around January 2026. The purpose is to convey messages of friendship and hopes for building a new relationship, as expressed by the young generation of both countries, to the Emperor, who symbolizes the Japanese people, thereby suggesting a new direction for communication between future generations.

In his congratulatory remarks, President Kang Sungjong of Shinhan University, who oversaw the contest, stated, "I hope this handwritten letter writing contest will serve as a bridge connecting the peoples of Korea and Japan, providing an opportunity for the younger generation to understand each other's hearts and create a future of mutual prosperity through dialogue."

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