No Poverty

As the hopeful New Year of 2025 begins, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as WeLoveU) launched its traditional initiative, “Happy Lunar New Year Holidays Together With Global Family 2025.” United by a shared commitment to extend a mother’s love to those in need, members nationwide participated in this meaningful effort. From January 20 to 23, they collaborated with local governments to donate daily necessities to 1,600 underprivileged and multicultural households across 62 regions. Each set of donations included 23 essential items, such as groceries like red pepper paste and glass noodles, as well as laundry and kitchen detergents.

On January 23, WeLoveU held the event “Happy Lunar New Year Holidays Together With Global Family 2025” at the WeLoveU Pangyo Chapter, Seongnam, Republic of Korea. The event aimed to ensure that no one is left behind during the holiday, inviting foreign residents in Korea to offer them comfort and love as they navigate life in a new land. The event welcomed around 300 attendees, including Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, board members, Korea Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (KAPCAN) President Yi Bae-keun, and multicultural families and international students from 24 countries, including Nepal, Taiwan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, the U.S., Ecuador, Uzbekistan, and Kenya. Diplomatic representatives such as Lao Ambassador to Korea H.E. Songkane Luangmuninthone, and Ecuadorian Deputy Head of Mission to Korea Orlin Madrid attended the event.

Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah gave a welcoming address, saying, “New Year’s Day, a traditional Korean holiday, is a meaningful time for family and neighbors to gather and renew their resolutions for the New Year.” She expressed hope that the event would provide a warm and embracing experience. She added, “Each of you, with your diverse cultures and traditions, makes Korean society richer and more vibrant. I hope the new connections and experiences you gain here will become cherished memories, and I always support your growth.”

Lao Ambassador H.E. Songkan Luangmuninthone commended WeLoveU’s practical and multidirectional efforts, remarking, “This event goes beyond celebrating a Korean holiday—it strengthens global solidarity and love.” KAPCAN President Yi Bae-keun also expressed his appreciation, emphasizing the universal nature of maternal love, “Across cultures, a mother’s love symbolizes wisdom and courage. I deeply appreciate how this event shares that love, offering strength and encouragement to our global neighbors.”

Following this, a symbolic donation board was unveiled on stage, marking the support extended to 1,600 underprivileged and multicultural families. The event also featured a scholarship award ceremony for international students. With the goal of promoting the spirit of Korean holidays—sharing and compassion—while fostering the academic growth of future global leaders, WeLoveU provided a total of KRW 48 million (approx. USD 32,650) in educational support to 24 students from eight countries. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah presented scholarship certificates to international students from Vietnam, Honduras, and Angola, and other nations, offering encouragement and heartfelt handshakes one by one.

Afterward, the event continued with a warm banquet and various Korean cultural experiences, carefully prepared by WeLoveU members. Festive dishes, including tteokguk (rice cake soup), galbi (grilled short ribs), japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and sanjeok (skewered meat and vegetables) were served. Participants enjoyed a warm meal together, engaging in friendly conversations. They then joined in various experience booths, such as tteokmechigi (making rice cakes), making kites, Jegichagi (Korean shuttlecock kicking), and Yutnori (a traditional board game). The hanbok experience zone was a favorite among attendees, as foreign guests selected and donned traditional Korean attire, capturing memorable moments in photos and videos. Laughter and the rhythmic sounds of rice cake pounding filled the venue, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Mikov Abdelaziz, who has lived abroad for a long time since leaving his home in Morocco, said, “Having studied and worked in various countries for many years, I often felt that it was difficult to integrate into society as a foreigner due to language, cultural, and traditional differences. In this regard, I truly respect WeLoveU’s dedication to supporting foreigners and, above all, its commitment to embracing everyone with unconditional love.” Batsukh Javkhlan, a Mongolian resident of Korea for 24 years, said, “Living far from home, I sometimes feel homesick, and language and cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings. Opportunities like this event, which introduce Korean culture and foster mutual understanding, can greatly reduce difficulties and conflicts.”

Lim Hyo-jeong, a WeLoveU volunteer from Seoul, said, “Although we all come from different backgrounds, we feel that we can become one through the universal theme of a mother’s love. I hope that everyone here today forgets loneliness, embraces the warmth of home, and starts the New Year with renewed energy.” Julissa Castro from Honduras (Ewha Womans University Graduate School) expressed her aspiration, “Thank you for the scholarship support. As a sociology student focusing on cultural exchange, I look forward to participating in WeLoveU’s various volunteer initiatives that contribute to social development and harmony.”

Foreign diplomats present at the event took the opportunity to encourage their country’s students while expressing gratitude for WeLoveU’s efforts. Orlin Madrid, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Ecuadorian Embassy in Korea, said, “It was great to meet Ecuadorian students here today. I sincerely appreciate WeLoveU’s generosity, and hope to see more events like this in the future.”

WeLoveU’s efforts to foster global solidarity and spread warmth
will continue throughout the New Year.