The creation of the prizes dedicated to young French talent in South Korea were proposed by Benjamin Joinau, Councillor for the French abroad, in order to highlight and encourage a number of young French people living in South Korea and active in the fields of research, business and education.
Supported by the embassy and various French organizations such as the French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF), La French Tech Seoul, Le Cercle des Entrepreneurs Francophones en Corée (CEFC), Séoul Accueil, the Club de réflexion et de recherche sur la Corée (CRRC), the ADFE-Français du monde Corée and the Union des Français de l'étranger (UFE)-Korea, the awards have been granted biannually in recognition of young French researchers and entrepreneurs residing in South Korea.
This year, eight recipients were recognized for their achievements in many fields like beauty, craftsmanship and engineering research.
"The French community here is undergoing a major shift, shaped by a remarkably young demographic," said French Ambassador to Seoul Philippe Bertoux, expressing his hope that the award-winners would serve as bridges to strengthen relations between the two countries.
As of this year, about half of French residents in South Korea are under 30, and around 40 percent are under 25.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.