2026.08.17 (월)

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Education · Society

'Empathy that opens hearts, communication that connects the world'… The 25th Korea Reading, Discussion, and Essay Festival Successfully Concludes

The finals of the '25th Korea Reading Debate and Essay Festival,' the largest reading education festival in the country sponsored by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and hosted by the National Reading New Wave Association (Chairman Lim Young -gyu), were successfully held over two days from July 17 to 18 at Catholic Kwandong University in Gangneung and other locations. Despite challenging weather conditions, such as the Daegwallyeong Tunnel fire and heavy rain, the enthusiasm of the reading prodigies of the future generation did not wane. This year, under the theme "Empathy that Opens Hearts, Communication that Connects the World," the focus was on understanding the lives of others through reading and cultivating healthy democratic citizenship capabilities through discussion. In particular, this year, the <Reading Connection Education Research Institute> was launched under the Reading New Wave to respond to the nation's declaration of becoming a "Reading Nation" and to implement early reading education for the AI ​​era. Through this, the "Sprouting of Empathy" program, utilizing picture books and narrative discussions for kindergarteners and lower elementary students, was implemented and received favorable reviews from participating parents for presenting a new milestone in reading education. The competition began with a team debate between schools that continued late into the night on the 17th, followed by individual events on the 18th, including narrative reading debates and reading essays. In the team competition, key agendas of future society were discussed, such as "Communication Using AI and Human Empathy" for the elementary division. Selected books included *Mission: Save Generation Alpha*, *The Altruist Manifesto*, and *Adding a Perfect Friend*, providing participants with an opportunity to broaden their humanities perspectives. In addition, the 'Family Reading Discussion Festival' held on the second day served as a special venue to enhance empathy through intergenerational dialogue and spread a healthy family reading culture. The opening ceremony was further enhanced by the 'Reading Connection Education Proclamation Ceremony,' which aims for reading growth across the life cycle from kindergarten to adulthood. Following fierce competition, the results of the team competition were announced. Seoul Chungam Elementary School won the elementary division and received the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award; Gwanghee Middle School in Donghae, Gangwon Province, received the Minister of Education Award in the middle school division; and Kimcheon High School in Kyungsang Province received the Speaker of the National Assembly Award in the high school division. Outstanding winners will be granted the privilege of participating in the 'Overseas Global Citizen Camp' to be held next January. The results of the individual competition are scheduled to be announced on August 24 via the Dokseo Saemulgyeol website. Gangneung Mayor Kim Jung-nam stated, “It is deeply meaningful to have successfully hosted the nation’s largest reading festival in our region, with over 80,000 participants.” He emphasized, “Reading and discussion, which foster critical thinking and deep reflection, are the most solid foundation for building a city of philosophy.” He added, “We will continue to further elevate the status of Gangneung as a ‘city of lifelong learning and philosophy that encourages reading.’” Lim Young-gyu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Reading New Wave Association, stated, “The strength that has allowed us to continue the competition for 25 years without missing a single year is thanks to the noble talent donation of 120 judges and over 40,000 Reading New Wave members,” adding, “I request the continued interest and support of relevant institutions and companies for this educational movement that is transforming Korea through reading education.” Meanwhile, the National Reading New Wave Association plans to continue its efforts to spread reading culture in Korea by successfully concluding this event and already starting planning for the 26th competition next year.

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