The 9th Chinese-Korean Youth Dream Presentation Festival, hosted by MDIF, held in Shenyang
- David Hwang
- May 26
- 3 min read
On May 24, the "9th Chinese-Korean Youth Dream Presentation Festival" was held at the Shenyang Korean Cultural and Arts Center Theater, with participation from various Korean schools across the three northeastern provinces.
The Dream Presentation Festival, hosted by the My Dream International Foundation in the USA, organized by the China branch of the My Dream International Foundation, and sponsored by the Liaoning Province Korean Ethnic Literature Association, kicked off with the aim of encouraging the younger generation to discover their dreams, challenge themselves to realize those dreams, and envision their future.
The event, moderated by Kim Kyung-soo, Secretary-General of the China Korean Ethnic Entrepreneurs Association, began with 14 students, recommended by various schools in Jilin, Heilongjiang, and Liaoning provinces, sharing their dream stories according to an online lottery order. Their dreams were diverse and unique, including becoming a medical professor, a people's teacher, a food scientist, a soccer player, a host, a sign language interpreter, a soldier, a forensic scientist, and a pianist. It was a festive occasion where young people vividly portrayed their dreams and shared the joy with everyone.
In the end, student Kim Boa from Shenyang Korean No. 1 Middle School won first prize with her presentation titled "Towards the Dream of Becoming a Bridge in Silence." Student Kim Juyeong from Yanbian No. 1 Middle School won second prize with "My Dream Woven at My Fingertips," and student Ri Songtaek from Shenyang Xita Korean Elementary School won third prize with "I Dream of Becoming a Korean-Chinese Host." In addition, 11 students, including Kim Cheong-i from Harbin City Korean No. 1 Middle School with "I Have a Dream," received excellence awards.
Prior to the dream presentations, Kwon Chun-cheol, President of the China branch of My Dream International Foundation, in his opening remarks, looked back on the history of the My Dream Presentation Festival. He noted that the China Korean Ethnic My Dream Presentation Festival started in 2013 and, up to its current 9th session, nearly 100 students have participated in the competition, nurturing their dreams. Many students, such as Yoon Chun-hong, Park Dong-chan, and An Kang, have been invited to California, USA, received university scholarships, or are actively performing on various stages around the world. He also expressed his gratitude to the leadership and guiding teachers of several schools who have consistently loved and supported the My Dream Presentation Festival, including teacher Ro Chun-ae from Shenyang Korean No. 1 Middle School, Vice-Principal Oh Young-hee from Shenyang Heping District Xita Korean Elementary School, and Principal Ri Myong-hui from Fushun Xinhua Korean Elementary School, as well as other related individuals. He hoped that everyone would work together to nurture the dreams of Chinese Korean youth and lead the Dream Presentation Festival in the future.
Next, Gong Seon-hwa, a researcher from the Ethnic Education Research Office of the Shenyang City Education Research Institute, delivered the judging remarks. She summarized the positive aspects of the participants in three areas: "1. In terms of theme expression, there were many speeches faithful to the core theme of 'My Dream.' 2. In terms of linguistic expression, many participants demonstrated amazing expressive power. Students who simultaneously embodied their dreams and personalities with creative expression methods stood out. 3. In terms of emotional delivery, instances where personal experiences breathed life into the speeches were impressive, and the sincerity stemming from the students' vivid experiences resonated with everyone's hearts." She then summarized the judging by saying, "1) In terms of content structure, some presentations had scattered points or unclear cores, and the plans for realization lacked specificity. 2) Regarding language refinement, using short, impactful sentences and colloquial expressions, and enlivening the rhythm with speech intervals and intonation emphasis would greatly improve delivery. 3) In terms of stage presence, unnatural gestures or heavy reliance on the script were regrettable, and natural smiles, eye contact with the audience, and appropriate gestures for the situation could enhance emotional delivery."
Following this, Bang Chang-il, Director of the Ethnic Education Research Office of the Shenyang City Education Research Institute, gave a congratulatory speech. He said, "For the past 10 years, My Dream International Foundation has consistently provided a meaningful stage for the next generation of youth to present their dreams with an unchanging original intention. The youth not only showcase the charm of our beautiful Korean language by telling their dreams but also more genuinely demonstrate the inheritance and innovation of our excellent ethnic culture. I hope students will cherish this opportunity and courageously express and realize their dreams."
During the judging period, there was a colorful cultural performance organized by Liaoning Nationalities Normal College and Yeongok Dance School.
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