“Thank you.” This simple yet heartfelt phrase resonated across Gwangalli Beach in Busan on September 20, carried by the voices of young people.
At the stage of the 10th Korea Youth Day Festival held at Gwangalli Beach in Suyeong District, a public song titled “Thank You” was introduced to express gratitude to medical volunteers for their dedication.
“Thank You” was created to honor medical professionals and volunteers who share their time and expertise with vulnerable communities and those in need.
The Korea Central Medical Volunteer Association described the song as the “representative audio piece of medical volunteering in Korea.” The production also aims to raise awareness of the social value of medical volunteer work.
On stage, young people gathered to sing the song together. The choir, set against the backdrop of the blue sea, was likened to a “thank you letter” to medical volunteers, according to the association.
Kim, a 20-something participant from Suyeong District, said, “I didn’t realize how long medical volunteers have been caring for our neighbors. Singing this song made me feel a natural sense of gratitude toward them.”
A spectator, Lee from Haeundae District, remarked, “Listening to the youth sing in unison warmed my heart. I also wanted to express my thanks to those who volunteer.”
Lee Sang-min, chairman of the Korea Central Medical Volunteer Association, stated, “I wanted to convey the most ordinary yet warmest words of ‘thank you’ to each medical professional and volunteer who willingly shares their time and expertise for others. It is even more meaningful to share the significance of this song with many young people on Youth Day.”
This song is part of a public campaign commemorating the UN-designated “2026 International Year of Volunteers (IVY 2026).”
The campaign, themed “When hearts come together, the world becomes healthier,” aims to engage not only medical professionals but also youth and citizens in understanding and participating in the spirit of giving.
“Thank You” is set to be officially released on October 4 at the 1st Korea Medical Volunteer Day event at the Maepo Gymnasium in Danyang County.
Following its release, the song will be used in various campaigns to promote the value of medical volunteering without profit motives.
The association plans to use this song to spread a culture of gratitude and respect for medical volunteers and to encourage everyone to participate in acts of kindness in their daily lives.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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