The Song of Hope Resounded After the Pandemic

On a day when raindrops turned into snowflakes in the chilly weather, a heartwarming event was held to comfort the cold and weary hearts of neighbors around the world. The 21st New Life Concert held after a four-year hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic, brought together members and an eager audience. They arrived early with excitement for the long waited concert and the cold could not bother those who had warm love for their neighbors.

On November 29, the 21st New Life Concert was held at the Students’ Gymnasium of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. The event was organized by the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation and sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Seoul Metropolitan Municipality, the Korea NPO Solidarity of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Korea Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and Incheon Sejong Hospital. Approximately 6,000 people attended the concert, including the WeLoveU Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, board members, and people from all walks of life such as law, culture, education, and media. Diplomats from around 10 countries, including Laos, Belarus, Mongolia, Iraq, Libya, and Sierra Leone, were also present.

Around 6 p.m., the first part of the concert began with the donation delivery presided by entertainer Kim Sung-hwan. In the opening address, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah expressed gratitude to the attendees for consistently sharing their warm love. She stated, “Your warm love over the years have provided strength and hope to our neighbors, saving the global community.” Recalling WeLoveU’s slogan, she said, “Let’s ensure that no one feels lonely, with motherly love. WeLoveU will stay dedicated to the happiness of people around the world next year, too, so that your warm support and expectations will not be in vain.” She anticipated that the long waited concert would comfort people facing difficulties with the songs of love.

H. E. Oyunbaatar Jagdag, Chargé d’affaires of Mongolia to Korea, said, “Mongolia and Republic of Korea have had a long and close relationship, and our cooperation has already branched out extensively in many areas. Among them, humanitarian cooperation is essential, and WeLoveU is contributing to this through various activities. I wish prosperity for the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation.” H.E. Viliami Va’inga Tone, Ambassador of Tonga to the UN, and H.E. Odo Tevi, Ambassador of Vanuatu to the U.N. sent their video congratulatory messages, expressing gratitude for WeLoveU’s support for climate crisis-affected countries, and anticipating ongoing collaboration.

Subsequently, the donation delivery took place. Through the 21st concert, WeLoveU supported Morocco earthquake victims and Libya flood victims, as well as five countries—Tonga, Tuvalu, East Timor, Vanuatu, and Samoa—that are facing sea level rise due to climate change. Additionally, WeLoveU helped 141 underprivileged groups and multicultural families in the Rep. of Korea, contributing a total of 260 million KRW [200,000 USD] domestically and internationally.

The second part of the event began by the New Life Children’s Choir. The cheerful and lively choir with their bright smiles quickly brightened the atmosphere. The performers took the stage amidst the delightful atmosphere hosted by announcer Kim Byeong-chan, and expressed their overwhelming joy at performing at the New Life Concert after a long time, exuding their vibrant enthusiasm and heartfelt energy. Singers Lee Yong, Lee Seung-hoon, Kim Sung-hwan, Kim Jong-hwan, Lia Kim, Yoon Tae-kyu, Jung Soo-ra, and Sopranos Park Mi-hye, Kang Min-seong, Tenor Yoon Seung-hwan, and Baritone Oh Yu-seok presented a wide range of songs. The audience enjoyed a delightful time, shining their flash lights on their phones, and singing along. The passionate performance even received a standing ovation.

Singer Lee Yong expressed his joy, saying, “I’ve been looking forward to the New Life Concert. Unlike in the past, we now live in an age where we can access news from around the world, but it is challenging to readily assist others. I’m grateful to convey warm love through this event and donate my talents for our global neighbors.” Baritone Oh Yu-seok, who performed duets and solos, said, “The common theme of the songs we sang today is hope. I selected songs, hoping we could bring hope to more people. I wish everyone will embrace new hope and move toward a brighter future.” Singer Jung Soo-ra, who decorated the finale of the concert with “Ah! Korea,” responding to encore requests, said, “I’ve missed this stage so much. This had always been a rewarding and joyous performance that concludes my year, so I was thrilled to be back here again. I aim to continue supporting those in need with WeLoveU and spread love and courage.”

Counsellor Asem B A Abdelmalik of the Embassy of Libya to Korea, commented, “After the major flood in September, the situation in Libya is improving, but we still require substantial support. WeLoveU’s assistance will enhance the solidarity between Korea and Libya. I will not forget this help.”

Despite the chilly weather, attendees who arrived early at the venue expressed proud reflections, having together completed the concert with warm cheers and applause. Kang Yoon-seol (from Incheon) said with a warm smile, “Although we often hear about our neighbors’ challenges in the news, it’s easy to forget them quickly. But events like this make me believe that simple acts of kindness can bring forth a great love.” Yoon Min-kyu (from Seongnam) who attended with his entire family, said, “It’s been a few years since I attended the New Life Concert. This time was really touching. It was a meaningful experience that taught my kids the importance of sharing and volunteering.”

WeLoveU’s melody of love, signifying a new beginning beyond the pandemic, will powerfully resonate even more farther, ensuring that no one feels lonely in this world.