Celebration of 5th Anniversary of the Vietnamese Association in Jeonnam - Gwangju

The event marks an important milestone, recognizing the 15-year journey of formation and development of the Vietnamese Association in Jeonnam - Gwangju. It is also a meaningful community cultural activity that contributes to strengthening the solidarity of the overseas Vietnamese community, promoting the image of Vietnam and its people, and enhancing Vietnam-Republic of Korea cultural exchange.

Attending the program were Mr. Nguyen Dinh Dung, Counselor of the Vietnamese Embassy in the Republic of Korea; Mr. An Vu Binh, Second Secretary of the Vietnamese Embassy in the Republic of Korea; Mr. Dao Tuan Hung, Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in the Republic of Korea; and Ms. Nguy Thi Thuy Huong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in the Republic of Korea.

From the Republic of Korea's agencies and organizations, there were Mr. Lee Gi Pyo, Head of International Cooperation, Gwangju University; Mr. Woo Seong Ok, Deputy Head of International Cooperation, Chosun University; and Ms. Won Jin Seon, representative of the Jeonnam Migrant Women Counseling Center.

The program was also accompanied by representatives from many prominent businesses and organizations, such as Mr. Kim Kwang Chun, Director of the Gwangsan Finance Center, Shinhan Bank; Ms. Jung Sook Kyung, Director of Mekong Beauty Academy; Mr. Huynh Tran Hoang Nguyen, representative of the international money transfer company E9Pay, along with numerous association leaders, entrepreneurs, parents, and the Vietnamese community in the Republic of Korea.

In her speech, Ms. Nguyen Thi Le Hoa, Chairwoman of the Vietnamese Association in Jeonnam, Gwangju emphasized: "The past 15 years have been a journey of sharing, connecting, and accompanying. The Association has gradually become a common home for the Vietnamese community in Jeonnam - Gwangju, serving as a bridge between the expatriates and their homeland, and between the Vietnamese community and the Republic of Korea's government and people".

Representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy in the Republic of Korea and the Vietnamese Association in the Republic of Korea highly appreciated the Association's contributions in supporting workers, students, multicultural families; organizing cultural exchange activities, charity, and business connections, thereby enhancing the status of the Vietnamese community in the Republic of Korea.

On this occasion, the Association awarded commemorative medals and certificates of recognition to organizations, businesses, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the Vietnamese community in Jeonnam - Gwangju over the years. Many Republic of Korea businesses were honored for their activities in supporting the community, aiding charity programs, education, and social welfare in Vietnam.

A highlight of the program was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Vietnamese Association in Jeonnam - Gwangju and the Jeonnam Migrant Women Counseling Center to strengthen cooperation in supporting immigrant women, multicultural families, and the local Vietnamese community. This activity continues to affirm the Association's role as a bridge in promoting social integration and protecting the legitimate rights of Vietnamese people in the Republic of Korea.

Within the framework of the event, the Association also announced the Advisory Board and the system of Area Heads responsible for regions in Jeonnam - Gwangju, aiming to build an increasingly widespread, effective, and professional community network.

On the same day, the grand finale of the Republic of Korea Global Kid Model 2026 took place vibrantly, featuring 22 outstanding contestants selected from various regions across the Republic of Korea.

The competition was organized to create a healthy artistic and fashion playground for children; helping them develop communication skills, confidence, and performance abilities, while also enhancing cultural exchange among Vietnamese families in the Republic of Korea.

Contestants went through various segments such as catwalk performance, traditional costume presentation, and talent competition. Besides the artistic aspect, the competition also aimed at educating life skills, building resilience, nurturing dreams, and encouraging the younger generation to preserve national cultural identity in an international integration environment.

Mr. Nguyen Duy Anh, Head of the Organizing Committee of Global Kid Model, stated: "We hope the competition will not only discover promising faces in the field of arts but also provide an environment for comprehensive development, confidence in integration, and becoming young cultural ambassadors connecting Vietnam with international friends".

After an objective and fair evaluation process, the Organizing Committee awarded the highest titles of the competition:

- Champion of the Republic of Korea Global Kid Model 2026: Tran Hue Nhu;

- First Runner-up: Kim Soyun;

- Second Runner-up: Kim Dami.

In addition, the Organizing Committee also awarded special prizes including:

- Most Favorite Contestant;

- Best Costume;

- Promising Face;

- Impressive Performance Style.

Notably, the contestants who won the titles of Champion, First Runner-up, and Second Runner-up will officially represent the Republic of Korea at the Global Kid Model 2026 Grand Finale held in Vietnam from July 29 to August 2.

The event concluded in a solemn, warm, and emotional atmosphere, leaving many beautiful impressions in the hearts of the Vietnamese community in the Republic of Korea.

This was not only an occasion to reflect on the development journey of the Vietnamese Association in Jeonnam - Gwangju but also a vivid testament to the spirit of solidarity, integration, preservation of national cultural identity, and the connection to the homeland of the overseas Vietnamese community.