On the evening of November 15, 2025, the Benikia Hotel Seosan Grand Ballroom was abuzz with anticipation, pride, and a palpable sense of community spirit. It was the setting for the Seosan Scholarship Foundation’s second half-year scholarship awards ceremony—a tradition now in its 35th year, but one that, if anything, seems to gain momentum and meaning with every passing season. The event, formally titled the ‘2025 Second Half Regional Talent Scholarship Ceremony,’ brought together more than 500 guests, including students, families, local officials, and members of the foundation, all united by a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders from Seosan and Taean.
This year, the foundation awarded scholarships to 30 students from Seosan and Taean, distributing a total of 15 million won for the second half of 2025. These scholarships are not merely financial support—they represent a collective investment in the future of the region. In total, the foundation has awarded 290 million won to 280 students this year alone, a testament to its enduring dedication to educational advancement and social welfare, as reported by Jungdo Ilbo and NewsTNT.
The ceremony was not just about handing out checks. It was a vibrant celebration, complete with special performances and the recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to education, social welfare, and culture in the region. Attendees included Jo Kyu-seon, chairman of the Seosan Scholarship Foundation, as well as key figures such as Kim Tae-heum, Governor of Chungcheongnam-do, Seong Il-jong, chairman of the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly, Lee Won-seop, Mayor of Seosan, and many others from the educational and local government sectors. Their presence underscored the deep ties between the foundation and the community it serves.
Jo Kyu-seon, in his welcoming remarks, captured the spirit of the occasion: “Today is more than a simple scholarship award ceremony. It is a meaningful gathering where the region’s future leaders and the community come together to share dreams and hope. Our scholarship program is like planting seeds of learning that will grow into the forest of the future.” He went on to emphasize, “In that forest, our children will grow into true talents with both intelligence and character. The scholarships you receive today are not just financial support but a promise for the future, a sign that your community believes in your potential.”
Kim Tae-heum, the governor, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The bright future of Chungnam lies with our youth. As governor, I will always support you so that you can play a significant role for your region and country.” Seong Il-jong, National Assembly member, added his encouragement: “Today’s scholarship is the first step towards realizing your dreams. The region and the country will firmly support and cheer for you as you strive to open up your future.”
The sense of partnership between the foundation and the broader community was further highlighted by a special agreement signed during the event between the Seosan Scholarship Foundation and the Yesan Bitssal Nanum Volunteer Group. This partnership aims to strengthen local social welfare and promote a culture of sharing—an ethos that has been at the core of the foundation’s mission since its establishment in 1990.
But the evening didn’t stop at scholarships. The foundation also recognized those who have gone above and beyond in supporting education and community development. A total of 41 individuals received awards for their contributions to nurturing talent, and 17 members were inducted into the foundation’s Hall of Fame, their achievements commemorated with handprint plaques. Among the honorees were Lee Yeon-hee, Lee Min-gu, Lee Hwang, and Park Myeong-ok in the scholarship sector; Yoo Deuk-jin, Choi Kyung-ja, Jung Je-neung, and Kim Yang-sook in academic and educational projects; and others recognized for their work in social welfare and cultural initiatives.
Special honors were also given to Seong Woo-jong and Seong Seok-jong, joint sponsors of the foundation, who have been instrumental in providing financial backing for the scholarships. Their dedication was recently recognized at national events, with Seong Woo-jong receiving the National Order of Merit at the 45th National Day of Disabled Persons in April, and Seong Seok-jong being awarded the National Medal of Merit for material sharing at the 14th National Sharing Awards in November. The brothers’ message to the students was heartfelt: “Just as the sky and sea of Seosan and Taean are always there, so too will the Seosan Scholarship Foundation be with you as you move toward the future.”
The event also included a special performance by student Im Do-hyung, whose rendition of popular songs drew enthusiastic applause and added a touch of youthful energy to the proceedings. As the evening unfolded, it was clear that the scholarship ceremony was as much about community celebration and gratitude as it was about financial aid.
The foundation’s impact is not limited to the present. Since its inception in 1990, the Seosan Scholarship Foundation has supported more than 25,000 students, distributing approximately 16 billion won in scholarships. Its mission extends beyond scholarships to encompass academic, educational, social welfare, and cultural projects, reflecting a holistic approach to community development.
Local leaders were quick to recognize the significance of these efforts. Seosan Mayor Lee Won-seop described the investment in future talent as “the most valuable investment,” adding, “The bright future of Seosan begins with the dreams and efforts of our scholarship recipients and the dedication of the foundation’s members.” Jang Mun-su, a foundation board member, and other education officials, including Kim Ji-yong, Seosan’s education director, and Ji Jae-gyu, Taean’s education director, all expressed similar sentiments, pledging ongoing support for students’ academic journeys.
As the ceremony drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of optimism in the air. The scholarships, the awards, the partnerships, and the performances all pointed to a community deeply invested in its youth—a community that sees education not just as a personal achievement, but as a collective promise. Or, as Jo Kyu-seon put it so eloquently, “The dreams of our proud scholarship students and the contributions of our foundation family are creating a new culture in our region. We will continue to work even harder to spread the culture of sharing.”
With another successful scholarship ceremony behind them, the Seosan Scholarship Foundation and its supporters are already looking ahead, determined to keep nurturing the seeds of hope, ambition, and generosity that have defined their work for more than three decades.
