Yookyung Lee, Korean program instructor in the Department of World Languages and faculty advisor for the Korean Club, organized the 8th Annual Boise State Korean Speech Contest on May 2, 2025, in the Student Union Building. Selected students from Korean 102 and Korean 202 participated in the contest, demonstrating their Korean communication skills and celebrating their learning achievements alongside professors and members of the local Korean community.
A special highlight this year was the visit from Eunji Seo, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle, who remarked, “Korean language has become one of the few languages to see a substantial rise in U.S. universities.” She added, “Korean companies are creating high-paying jobs in the U.S., and your choice to learn Korean is a smart one.”
Seo also joined the panel of judges, including Hwajin Lee, Principal of the Idaho Korean School; Hyunsung Park, a teacher at the Idaho Korean School; and Jae Hyeon Ryu, professor at the University of Idaho and President of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association. Jason Herbeck, chair of the Department of World Languages, welcomed the guests and celebrated the students’ dedication and hard work.
The Korean Consulate General in Seattle has generously sponsored this event for the past four years, providing award certificates and cash prizes for winners and participants. The Korean Club and the Idaho Korean School also contributed to the event’s success. A total of eight winners from the Korean program and one student from the Idaho Korean School were selected and honored with certificates and prizes.
Awards and Winners
Consul General Award, Presented by the Consul General of the ROK in Seattle ($150 each):
- Kira Kurz
- Samuel Haro
Second Place ($100 each):
- Tristan Contreras
- Ashlee Riedinger
Third Place ($75 each):
- Morgan Mickelsen
- Amber McNaughton
Honorable mention ($30 gift card each):
- Andru Davis
- Ethan Hurtarte
- James Duncan