Korea Youth Summit 2026 Celebrates Global Youth Leaders and Award Winners

Seoul, South Korea — September 10, 2026 — Youth Break the Boundaries officially conducted the Korea Youth Summit (KYS) 2026, the third edition of its global youth leadership program, in Seoul, South Korea, from September 7–10, 2026.

Under the theme “Empowering Youth Through Cultural Synergy” and the tagline “Living Culture, Lasting Legacy,” Korea Youth Summit 2026 brought young people together to connect, collaborate, and create meaningful cultural impact. In addition to its youth-focused activities, the summit featured four speakers with expertise in global business, human rights, peacebuilding, and cross-cultural innovation.

Global Perspectives from Four Speakers

Samer Samhoun, Founder and CEO of Phoenix International Korea, brought extensive experience in global trade, market-entry strategy, and cross-border partnerships. As an entrepreneur, international business strategist, and keynote speaker, he also shares practical knowledge on export strategy, entrepreneurship, and global business development through his work as a lecturer and mentor.

Kim Kang-Hyuk is a North Korean defector and emerging human rights and unification leader whose life journey shaped his commitment to freedom, human dignity, and peace on the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile, Hyanghwa Kwak, a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Washington, contributes to youth leadership, peacebuilding, and advocacy through her role as Global Peace Youth Manager and Creative Director of Alliance for Korea United at UW.

Kwon Hae-suk, Founder & CEO of World Dagachi, contributed perspectives on cross-cultural communication and digital innovation. Through World Dagachi, he develops a platform that connects foreign and local communities in Korea while addressing language and information barriers through technology and collaboration.

Categories and List of Winners

Based on the assessment and official decision of the Korea Youth Summit 2026 organizing committee, the following participants received awards across various categories.

Best Group

Group 1

1. Josephin Seraphin

2. Dominique Barksdale

3. Nur Safi Nabilah Binti Laja Hassan

4. Yousef Qaroos

5. Mariam Elawadi

1st Place in Best Idea Innovation

Group 2

1. Srinevetha Asaithambi Rajalakshmi

2. Do Cao Thuy Vy

3. Forkulitsa Olesia

2nd Place in Best Idea Innovation

Group 3

1. Huang Weiye

2. Liu Jiangnan

3. Wang Hao

4. Cui Manjin

5. He Jiaxin

3rd Place in Best Idea Innovation

Group 4

1. Tian ZhenJia

2. Liao Lihui

3. Xiao Yan Liu

4. Wang Zhaokun

Best Presenter

1. Xiao Yan Liu

2. Wang Hao

3. Joseph Hahmmin Kang

Best Participant

1. Srinevetha Asaithambi Rajalakshmi

Best Leader

1. Dominique Barksdale

1st Place in Best Idea Innovation – High School Category

1. Syira Rafilah Putri Suratman

2. Azalea Raihanah Adiva

3. Qotrunnada Nafiza Husna

4. Gelsy Zhynee Rayfani

5. Andi Raudatul Jannah Salsabila

Honorable Mention

1. Joseph Hahmmin Kang

Recognition and Final Decision

All award recipients listed in the official decision are entitled to receive recognition according to the organizer's provisions. The decision forms part of the official documentation of Korea Youth Summit 2026 and recognizes participants based on the established award categories.

The Letter of Decision regarding the winners was issued by the Korea Youth Summit 2026 Secretariat and serves as the official basis for the award announcement.

Official Letter of Decision : https://s.id/ENGWinnerKYS2026Sep

Muhammad Aldi Subakti, Chairman of Korea Youth Summit 2026, expressed his appreciation to all participants for making the summit a meaningful experience. “We sincerely appreciate everyone who took part in the Korea Youth Summit 2026. Your enthusiasm and contribution made this summit truly special. We hope the ideas and connections built here will continue to grow into meaningful collaborations and lasting impact beyond the program,” he said.

Conclusion

Korea Youth Summit 2026 brought young people from diverse backgrounds together to build connections, exchange perspectives, and develop ideas through cross-cultural collaboration. Furthermore, the speakers offered insights into leadership, innovation, peace, global business, and communication in an increasingly interconnected world.

The awards also recognize participants who demonstrated excellence in innovation, leadership, presentation, participation, and teamwork. With the spirit of “Living Culture, Lasting Legacy,” Youth Break the Boundaries continues to encourage young people to transform their experiences and ideas into meaningful contributions to the global community.

More Information

Korea Youth Summit

Website: www.koreayoutsummit.com

Email: [email protected]

Youth Break the Boundaries

Website: www.youthbreaktheboundaries.com

Media Relations – Youth Break the Boundaries

Email: [email protected]