9th Anniversary Celebration

The Welcome to Korea International Club, Co-presidents Kim Jung Sook and Lee Min Ji, held its "9th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony" on December 11, 2025, at the National Press Club (20th floor) in the Korea Press Center.

The ceremony was attended by approximately 120 guests, including Jung Dae-chul, Chairman of the Constitutional Association of Korea; Lee In-sun, Chair of the Gender Equality and Family Committee of the National Assembly; and Kim Hee-jung, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party. Also in attendance were former members of the National Assembly and ministers, as well as leaders of women's organizations, academics, diplomats, and WKIC members, all gathered to celebrate the association’s 9th anniversary.

Kim Jung Sook, President of WKIC, expressed her gratitude to all the attendees. She highlighted the association's active efforts both at home and abroad to promote women's empowerment and gender equality, citing collaborative projects with foreign embassies in Korea, participation in international conferences, historical and cultural exploration tours, specialized seminars, and various small-group activities. In particular, she spoke highly of the association's active role on the international stage, such as sending a delegation of 20 members to the International Council of Women (ICW) General Assembly in Marrakech, Morocco, last June, and the Federation of Asia-Pacific Women’s Association (FAWA) in Taipei, Taiwan, in October. She thanked the members for making these achievements possible.

In his congratulatory speech, Chairman Jung Dae-chul noted, “According to the Gender Gap Index released by the World Economic Forum, South Korea ranked a disappointing 101st out of 148 countries.” He attributed this low ranking to the scarcity of women in high-level economic positions, a male-dominated political culture, and the imbalance of gender roles within the household. As a solution, he emphasized the need to “set gender equality targets, address the gender pay gap, and support work-life balance for women.”

Chairperson Lee In-sun stated, “As the Chair of the Gender Equality and Family Committee of the National Assembly, I will strive to establish laws and systems that ensure women's status is well-maintained and allow women to live harmoniously in society, at home, and in the workplace.”

Representative Kim Hee-jung praised the association, saying, “The WKIC is one of the few organizations in Korea that takes a leading role in its field.” She congratulated the association on its 9th anniversary and its continuous efforts toward gender equality and the enhancement of women's international capabilities. There was a beautiful musical performance followed by the Baritone, Prof. Park Kyung Joon, and the Tenor. Prof. Jung and the cake-cutting ceremony as well. Co-chair Lee Minji proposed a toast to the Prosperity of the club. After the luncheon, a happy draw took place, and approximately 20 gifts were donated by the Board members of WKIC. Such a festivity!