Despite the challenges of 2020, the Naeil Foundation effectively launched the following successful initiatives that generated both immediate and lasting positive impacts– on a regional, national and global scale.
Korean War Worldwide Photo Essay & Video Contest
On June 25, 2021, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation (KWVMF) and Remember727, with the generous support from the Naeil Foundation, launched the Korean War: Worldwide Photo Essay and Video Contest. The purpose of this contest was to commemorate the anniversary of the Korean War (June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953), to honor the sacrifices of the veterans, and to promote peace.
The Contest also aimed to raise awareness and funds for the Wall of Remembrance that will be added to the Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC. Participants were encouraged to visit nearby Korean War memorials, interview Korean War veterans, and create original photo essays and short videos reflecting on the Korean War.
Through outreach from the team, judges, partner organization networks, public libraries, foreign embassies, advertisements, and local and global press, the website had 10,460 visits from 75 countries. Additionally, press releases were distributed to 1,100 reporters around the world and generated more than 250 article links in 24 different countries. These articles even garnered Korean press attention and more than 50 articles were published in Korean, worldwide. Furthermore, advertisement campaigns on social media reached 444,345 people and led to 6,474 visits to the contest website.
The Contest had a total of 113 inspiring entries, 85 in English and 28 in Korean. Entries were submitted from 12 countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States. The Contest also engaged the public through the public voting period. Voters were encouraged to view all entries and vote for their favorite photos and videos. Therefore, the public determined the winners of the popular vote award in each category. An esteemed panel of 143 judges were recruited to critique entries and help determine winners for the grand prize and all other awards.
A total of $10,000 was distributed as prizes for this contest. The Contest raised over $3,587 for the Wall of Remembrance through the Contest platform alone. Additional donations were also made directly to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation as website visitors were directed to donate on the KWVMF website.
Winners were announced on July 27th, 2021, during Remember727’s 14th Annual Armistice Vigil and Commemoration. The event was held virtually and featured special guests Col. William E Weber (honorary chairman of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation), US Congressman Mark Takano (Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee), US Congressman Andy Kim (D- NJ), US Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), US Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-WA, daughter of Korean War veteran), US Congresswoman Michelle Steel (R-CA), Former US Congressman Jay Kim (R-CA, first Korean American Member of Congress), Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan, ROK National Assemblyman Koh Yong-jin, and ROK National Assemblyman Choi Hyung-doo. During the event, the winning entries were featured and recognized for their originality and influence.
COVID-19 & THE
GLOBAL PANDEMIC
At the onset of the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in 2020, New York City became the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States. The Foundation immediately secured and donated critically-necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to New York City regional Korean American organizations, hospitals, nursing homes, and to Korean War veterans. The donations were crucial in providing essential PPE toward saving lives, while strengthening the good will of the Korean community in the Tri-state area.
70th ANNIVERSARY OF
THE KOREAN WAR
Recognizing the significance of the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War (June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953) and its impact on the Korean identity and Diaspora, the Foundation funded the creation of a website dedicated to honoring Korean War veterans around the world and in the United States while educating the public about the Korean War. The website will continue to promote global awareness of the veterans’ sacrifices while preserving the history and cultural heritage of Koreans worldwide.
2020 CENSUS & THE
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
To ensure Korean American participation in the 2020 Census and the Presidential Elections, the Foundation sponsored the launch of KA Vote, a non-partisan, multi-generational Task Force made up of nearly 60 regional and national Korean American organizations to increase Korean American civic engagement and representation. The unprecedented mobilization efforts reached 1 million Koreans, resulting in a historic turnout as well as cohesion in the Korean American community nationwide.
REGIONAL
GLOBAL
NATIONAL
