WeLoveU took steps of hope for neighbors worldwide. On April 23, 2023, the 24th New Life Family Walkathon, organized by the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as WeLoveU), was held at Peace Plaza in World Cup Park, Seoul. The event marked its return after being paused for over three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 7,000 attendees, including members from the Seoul metropolitan area and local citizens, participated with enthusiasm.
Message of Unity: “Together, Not Alone”
On the 23rd, Peace Plaza in World Cup Park came alive from early morning as WeLoveU members, dressed in forsythia-yellow T-shirts, gathered with their families and friends. Their smiles shone as brightly as the spring sunshine. WeLoveU Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah along with board members, Yi Bae-keun, President of the Korean Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (KAPCAN), and diplomatic representatives from nine countries, including Laos, El Salvador, Belarus, and Angola, joined to share hope with neighbors worldwide. The event was supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Korean NPO Coalition for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, KAPCAN, Incheon Sejong Hospital, and the Senior Medical Sharing Foundation.
The event commenced around 10 a.m., hosted by announcer Kim Byung-chan. The New Life Children’s Choir performed a medley of cheerful songs, uplifting the atmosphere ahead of the opening ceremony. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, in her opening remarks, encouraged attendees, saying, “I hope the message of ‘together rather than alone’ becomes a message of encouragement for all global neighbors, offering them courage and hope.” She emphasized, “Let’s continue to show them interest and support in various ways so they can move toward a better future.” She added, “If we are together, we can achieve many things. By helping, caring for, and supporting one another, we can make this world a place of peace and happiness.”
Strengthening Global Networks to Help Neighbors Worldwide
Through the 24th walkathon, WeLoveU extended warmth to neighbors worldwide affected by poverty, disease, disasters, and climate change. An additional KRW 100 million (approximately USD 75,000) was provided to support earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria, along with pre-prepared relief supplies. Aid also reached vulnerable communities in 23 countries, including Ukraine (war victims), Iraq, Jordan, Nepal, Laos, Mongolia, Thailand, Malaysia, East Timor, Mexico, El Salvador, Chile, Gabon, Angola, Mozambique, and more. Domestically, KRW 100 million was allocated to assist wildfire victims, while 141 families in need or from multicultural households received medical and living support. Additionally, KRW 30 million (approximately USD 21,000) was donated to the Senior Medical Sharing Foundation. In total, KRW 700 million (approximately USD 49,000) was provide in global and domestic aid.
Diplomatic representatives expressed their agreement with the purpose of the walkathon—to support global neighbors—and shared their admiration for the initiative. They pledged their continued support for WeLoveU’s humanitarian efforts.
“WeLoveU provides tailored support to local communities in a timely manner. This remarkable global network has a positive and far-reaching impact, not only on the Lao PDR but also on other countries. Love for humanity becomes even more powerful when everyone unites. I hope the solidarity demonstrated in today’s walkathon continues to inspire and paves the way for a brighter future for the global village.” Ambassador of Laos to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Songkane Luangmuninthone
“The world has made remarkable progress in culture, economy, and science. However, the number of climate refugees and war victims continues to rise. Now, more than ever, values such as equality, respect, understanding, and comprehensive cooperation are crucial. We believe the projects you are involved in are a significant help to our communities. I hope today’s walkathon will serve as a catalyst for even greater acts of collaboration.” Ambassador of El Salvador to the Republic of Korea, Jaime Jose Lopez Valdespino
Building Family Bonds and Love for Humanity
The first part of the event concluded with Chairwoman Zahng presenting a donation board to the diplomats. The second part began with the walkathon, as participants marched to the lively beats of the marching band. The 1.3 km (0.8 mi) course, stretching from Peace Plaza to Nanji Pond, featured performances by young adult members who delivered environmental protection messages. Through energetic songs and dances, they advocated for reducing single-use plastics, recycling, conserving energy, and planting trees to protect marine life and combat global warming. Participants enjoyed walking through the springtime park with their families, creating memories while reaffirming their commitment to environmental protection.
After completing the course, attendees returned to Peace Plaza and enjoyed a variety of activities at the event’s booths. A highlight was the “World on Foot” cultural experience corner, featuring six countries—Laos, Ecuador, El Salvador, Angola, and more—alongside face painting, the photo zone, and the exhibition about WeLoveU. Visitors had the opportunity to explore global cultures, languages, and cuisines, sharing a sense of unity as a global family. The “World on Foot” corner, which offered programs introducing each country’s specialties and traditional games, was bustling with visitors at every booth, creating a lively atmosphere. Even passersby joined in, experiencing the cultures, languages, foods, and lifestyles of neighbors worldwide, and embracing a sense of solidarity as a global family.
Belarusian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Andrei Chernetski, remarked, “Today’s Family Walkathon was truly remarkable. Society is built on families, and for society to thrive, families must be happy. When many families participate in events like this, it contributes to creating a better society.”
Park Cheol from Gwangjin District, Seoul, who walked with his daughter, shared, “Teenagers often don’t enjoy spending time with their parents, but my daughter loved this event, so I’m really glad we came. Walking with so many people, I was able to teach her that life isn’t about living alone but about being happier and building a better world when we are together.”
Jiyeon Kim from Guro District, Seoul, said, “I participated in the New Life Walkathon several times before the pandemic, and I’m thrilled to join again in a safe and healthy way. To neighbors worldwide facing hardships from various disasters, I want to send encouragement: No matter how tough things get, better days will surely come. Stay strong!”
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