▲ Students celebrating after the speech

 On May 28th WHYS and Korean-American culture association hosted the ‘Teenager National Assembly Forum’ and the ‘Korean Children Wave Globalization English Speaking Contest’ in the National Assembly building in Yeouido. On this day about 170 students from across Korea participated. They came from different villages and cities from across the country. Participants in the ‘Korean Children’ contest are from elementary school while those in the ‘Teenagers Forum’ are middle school students. The judges were Simon Glover, Misun Gung and Sunhee Lee.  

‘Korean Children Wave Globalization English Speaking Contest’ topic was Korean culture. The ‘Teenager National Assembly Forum’ main theme was world peace and students had to suggest what Korea should do about recent events.

This contest can help children and teenagers to know about various problems in the world and to think about solutions. Children also learned about their history and myths which can teach us many lessons. It also helps improve their English and presentation skills.

Sun hee lee, one of the judge was interviewed about the speech contest.

Q: Why did you hold this contest?

A: It is held to improve students' English skills, to see how young people are seeing the political and economic problems of Korea. This competition is an opportunity to see the problems of Korea with the view of youth. We might also get some fresh ideas about it.

Q: Why did we hold the contest in the National Assembly building? Is there any special reason?

A: It is because I wanted to motivate the students. I thought that it will be a great motivation if we speak in the National Assembly building where congressmen discuss and present.  

Q: Why is it important for students to participate in speech contest?

A: First, participating in public speech contest can improve students’ confidence. Next, it motivates them a lot. It makes them think again why they should study English, what to do and what to think. Also, it improves their English skills. They would be able to claim and persuade in English.

Q: What was the evaluation basis for a good speech?

A: It was a fresh idea, teamwork which is one of the capabilities of a global leader, and ability of presentation such as eye contact, speed, gesture, voice, volume.

Q: What are the general improvements that all students need?

A: I think there’s not much. Students’ skills are excellent and they seem to be motivated and helpful to each other.

Q: Can you tell me your impressions after the contest?Students celebrating after the speech 

A: I realized that teenagers have great confidence in writing and speaking their thoughts, and have ability to logically speak deep issues such as politics and economics.

Q: What are your expectations for the next speech contest?

A: I just expect the next speech contest. It is expected that how much the students will grow up next time.

▲ ‘Teenager National Assembly Forum’

 Going to the competition was a great opportunity for students to learn many things. First, we could improve our English skills while preparing the speech. Writing a speech script made us learn how to write the script more easily and informatively. Practicing the speech made us learn how to speak more clearly and be understood. 

 Also, while researching the information, they could learna more about International and national problems that’s happing around the world. For example, we had a speech about how Brexit and America First affect Korea. While researching and writing the speech script, we could know how these problems effects our country, and how we could solve these problems. 

 Lastly, listening to other students’ speech also told us more interesting facts. By comparing other students’ speech and our speech it made us understand the better way to tell the information in front of the audience. 

Global Youth National Assembly Forum was a good chance for the student to have an interest in Korea’s international problems and think about the solutions for them. We wish students learned many things by going out to this competition.

By. PARK HYOIN, KWON MINJUNG, KWON SUHYEON