Award recipients and participants of the 2024 IWIK Awards Ceremony and International Exchange Day pose for photos in Seoul on Saturday. (IWIK)

International World in Korea, a civic group promoting multiculturalism and diversity, held an award ceremony in Seoul on Saturday to honor several Koreans and foreign nationals for their contributions to Korean society and their efforts in promoting international exchange.

The National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee Chairman’s Awards were presented to Chukhlantseva Mariia, Berdibekova Aiperi and Idil Ayral; the Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman's Awards went to In Yury and Alexandria Fong; and the National Assembly Member's Awards were presented to Chuyanova Elena.

Several other individuals from 17 different countries were also recognized and received the IWIK President's Awards. Among the Korean recipients were YouTube creator Kim Ju-seong, influencer Park Go-kyung, rappers Shagun and 27Ring, and youth activist Moon Sun-young.

Following the awards ceremony, the IWIK inaugurated its new leadership for the upcoming year. Nympha Bulawan was appointed as IWIK’s Secretary-General, Idil Ayral as the head of its Incheon chapter, Ina Udonava as head of the Busan chapter, and Ravi Pandit as head of the Daejeon chapter. Each will serve a one-year term.

The event also featured cultural booths representing countries such as Cambodia, Iran, Ethiopia and the Philippines, offering attendees the chance to experience various cultures.

IWIK, headquartered in Seoul, aims to improve multicultural awareness by connecting Korean youth and foreign national residents through various events and gatherings that allow people from different cultures around the world to engage and communicate with one another.