A Zainichi Korean philanthropist has awarded scholarships to approximately 380 students in Hwaseon, South Jeolla Province, during a ceremony held this week [1].
The initiative supports academic talent in the donor's hometown and aims to strengthen Korea-Japan friendship through cultural exchange and educational investment.
The scholarship program has operated for 20 years [1]. It continues the legacy of the late Lee Gi-hak, who founded the scholarship foundation two decades ago [1]. To date, the program has delivered about 160 million won to support local students [1].
The recent event, held during Korea's Family Month in May, included students ranging from kindergarten to graduate level [1]. The ceremony featured a performance of the song 'Hyo-sarang', and the distribution of items intended to boost student morale [1].
Scholarship recipients used the event to express gratitude for the financial support. Park Chang-hyun, a student, said he intends to use the funds to purchase quality instruments and seek instruction from skilled teachers to further his dream of promoting traditional Korean music.
Foundation representatives emphasized the goal of providing stability to those pursuing education under difficult circumstances. Lee Yeon-hyun, the board chair, said the scholarship aims to support students who work hard despite challenging environments [1].
The donor, who lives in Japan, continues to fund the program to foster the next generation of leaders in Hwaseon [1].
“The scholarship program has operated for 20 years.”
This long-term philanthropic effort illustrates the enduring connection between the Zainichi Korean community and their ancestral hometowns. By focusing on a wide range of students from kindergarten through graduate school, the foundation creates a sustainable pipeline of local talent and utilizes educational funding as a tool for soft diplomacy between South Korea and Japan.
