The 23rd WeLoveU Concert

Music has an extraordinary ability to bridge distances and connect hearts. On November 9, that power was on full display at the 23rd WeLoveU Concert, held in the first-floor exhibition hall of Songdo Convensia in Incheon, South Korea. Participants gathered in harmony to share songs of love, hope, and comfort with communities around the world.

This year’s concert was organized to support families suffering from worsening climate disasters—floods, droughts, wildfires, and landslides—and to extend warm aid to vulnerable groups facing extreme temperatures caused by the escalating climate crisis.

Hosted by the International WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “WeLoveU”), the event was supported by Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, Seoul Metropolitan City, the Korean NPO Alliance for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Korea Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, board members, dignitaries from political and cultural sectors, and diplomats from Ecuador, Mongolia, and Peru joined approximately 13,000 members and citizens in attendance.

Participants from across Korea—including Seoul, Seongnam, Sokcho, and Daejeon—made their way to Incheon to share encouragement through music. Three hours before the opening, long lines had already formed at every entrance of Songdo Convensia. Amid the deep hues of autumn, attendees took photos and exchanged warm conversations as they awaited the performance.

In her opening remarks, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah expressed deep gratitude for the continued volunteer efforts of members around the world:

“Your volunteer work has become one beautiful piece of music. Like instruments performing different parts in harmony, your acts of service have created a melody of hope and a chord of courage. . . . The music we share today will not remain within this hall—it will travel wherever hearts can reach and winds can carry, becoming a song that revives lives across the world. WeLoveU will continue to take the lead in conveying hope and courage to people around the world.”

Diplomatic guests also delivered congratulatory messages. H.E. Patricio Esteban Troya Suárez, Ambassador of Ecuador to the Republic of Korea, praised WeLoveU’s humanitarian work: “WeLoveU has played a key role in strengthening cooperation between Korea and Ecuador. We are sincerely grateful for its ongoing support—such as relief for wildfire victims—and we look forward to continued collaboration.”

Former Philippine Senator Cynthia Aguilar Villar, Managing Director of the Villar Foundation, who previously joined WeLoveU’s 21st New Life Family Walkathon in the Philippines, shared her admiration: “WeLoveU is an organization I deeply respect and wholeheartedly support. Since 2001, it has carried out humanitarian and well-being activities around the world, and I express my highest admiration.”

The ceremony reached a highlight as the donation board was unveiled to enthusiastic applause. WeLoveU announced a contribution of KRW 376 million (approx. USD 263,000) to support ten countries affected by climate disasters—Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, Mongolia, Mozambique, South Africa, Kenya, Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil.

The donation will also assist:

• 120 vulnerable households in Korea (60 each in Seoul and Incheon)
• Group homes under the Korea Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
• A child in Mongolia battling rare and incurable diseases

The second part of the concert began with an energetic performance by the WeLoveU Children’s Choir, followed by captivating stages from celebrated artists Kim Jong-hwan, Lia Kim, Kim Sung-hwan, Jeong Su-ra, popera group La Classé, soprano Kang Min-seong, and Jeong Chan-hee.

Their heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply:

“Having someone by my side gives me peace. It reminds me how precious the ordinary is.”
— Lia Kim, “The Great Promise”

“As I walk holding your hand, everything in the world looks beautiful.”
— Jeong Su-ra, “Ecstasy”

Singer Kim Jong-hwan reflected on the meaning of the concert, saying: “Every performance has its own meaning, but the WeLoveU Concert is the most joyful and fulfilling of all. Watching members help those in need around the world reminds me of the beauty of compassion.” Singer Jeong Su-ra, who performed at the WeLoveU concert for the fifth time, shared her heartfelt thoughts: “I came with excitement because I deeply relate to the purpose of this concert—helping others rather than seeking personal joy. I sincerely wish for happiness to reach all our neighbors around the world.”

Diplomatic guests also expressed their appreciation for WeLoveU’s ongoing global initiatives. Ms. Isatu Sema Aisha, Charge d’Affaires ad interim / Minister Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Seoul, Korea, remarked: “Climate change has brought numerous disasters to Sierra Leone. I truly appreciate WeLoveU’s timely efforts to help nations suffering from climate crises and hope these efforts will continue for future generations.”

Colonel Asif Mehmood, Defence Attaché, Embassy of Pakistan in Seoul, Korea, added: “This event serves as a meaningful platform for global cooperation. I hope that, beyond government-level exchanges, organizations like WeLoveU will continue to unite people to extend help where it is needed most.”

Audience members, moved by the performances and messages, expressed their hopes that the love and encouragement shared through the concert would resonate across the world. Oh Hye-in, a volunteer from Uijeongbu, shared a personal story: “When I was a student, my home was destroyed in a fire, and my classmates and teachers came to help. I realized then how powerful someone’s support can be in times of hardship. That’s why I volunteer whenever I can.” Kang Tae-woo, a WeLoveU member from Suwon, who attended with his middle-school son, reflected on the importance of environmental awareness: “We must pass on a clean and healthy natural environment to future generations. I truly appreciate this concert’s purpose of raising awareness and encouraging all generations to unite in addressing the climate crisis.”

“Dear guests and members, the love you have given throughout the year will never fade. That love will resound again in today’s music and shine anew with the first dawn of the coming year.”

As Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah expressed, WeLoveU will continue to care for society and its neighbors with a heart that hopes no one is left behind—carrying forward the spirit of sharing, compassion, and unity throughout the global community.