Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders: Korea Junior National Debate Championships
27 April 2024
This year, on the spring days of April 20-21, the intensity of intellectual exchanges echoed throughout the virtual halls of the Korea Junior National Debate Championships. Hosted by EduDrift, this distinguished event brought together 129 of South Korea’s most promising young debaters, each aged between 7 to 13 years old, and renowned adjudicators from all over the globe.
As participants and spectators alike reflect on the event’s impact, one prevailing sentiment stands out: appreciation.
These were the words spoken by a mother in the aftermath of the tournament, encapsulating the profound impact that debate has on the lives of young impressionable individuals.
For many, participating in debate competitions offers far more than mere academic achievement. It serves as a crucible for developing essential critical thinking and communication skills, all while honing their interpersonal skills as well. Throughout the two-day tournament, the debaters, many of whom are just starting out in the field, have demonstrated unwavering commitment and perseverance throughout multiple competitive rounds in order to take home the prestigious championship and best speaker titles.
Champions (13-and-Under Category)
- Riwon Hong, North London Collegiate School Jeju
- Riley Yoo, Chadwick International
- Jamie Cheon, Yeoksam Middle School (Finals Best Speaker)
Champions (12-and-Under Category)
- Sian Song, Seoul Daehyun Elementary School
- Charlene Sooin Cho, Chadwick International School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Chloe Joohee Park, Seoul Foreign School
Champions (11-and-Under Category)
- Jiho Sim, Chadwick International School
- Arin Seo, Seung Ui Elementary School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Grayson (BeomJoon) Kim, SungDong Elementary School
Champions (10-and-Under Category)
- Seulhyun Sung, Hwarang Elementary School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Yuna Kim, Daechi Elementary School
- Seim Kim, Daegok Elementary School
Champions (9-and-Under Category)
- Joowon Choi, Yeogo Elementary School
- Jian Yoo, Onsaem Elementary School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Wooyoung Nam, Nammun Elementary School
Competitive debating is an exercise in bravery, as it requires participants to confront challenging topics, engage with opposing viewpoints, and defend their positions with conviction. Accordingly, we celebrate the following debaters who persevered and demonstrated exceptional courage and confidence on the virtual stage of debate, earning them the following awards in various categories:
Finalists
Grandfinalists
Jacob Sung, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Yunseong Kim, Korea International School, Jeju campus
Annabelle YD Lee, Seoul International School
Semifinalists
Jiahn Olivia Suh, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Ian Choi, Dulwich College Seoul
Ryan Cha, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Onew Choi, Korea Liberal Art School
Yun Chae Park, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Nahyun Kim, Sookmyung Girls’ Middle School
Quarterfinalists
Mingeon Kim, Calvin Manitoba International School
Junwoo Lee, Yeoksam Middle School
Tegu Kim, Shindong Middle School
Lauren Park, Korea International School
Nayoon Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Rachael Park, Korea International School
Quarterfinalists
Ah-Young Park, Seoul International School
Eunah Kim, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Aiden Kunwoo Yoon, Yongsan International School of Seoul
David Lee, Seoul International School
Julian Sung, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Eugene Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Pre-Quarterfinalists
Seungmin Chin, Chadwick International School
Sejun Park, Whimoon Middle School
Youngjoon Kim, Sinsa Middle School
Jiwoo Kim, Cheongju Solbat Middle School
Sunwoo Lee, Seoul International School
Jimin Lee, Daecheong Middle School
Jooan Rue, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Yeonsun Chung, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Seowoo Park, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Minje Cho, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Jason Son, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Jiho Lee, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Best Speakers
Top 10 Best Speakers
Overall Best: Rachael Park, Korea International School
Co-2nd Best: Yunseong Kim, Korea International School, Jeju Campus
Co-2nd Best: Jacob Sung, Yongsan International School of Seoul
3rd Best: Yun Chae Park, North London Collegiate School Jeju
4th Best: Riwon Hong, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Co-5th Best: Nahyun Kim, Sookmyung Girls’ Middle School
Co-5th Best: Eunah Kim, Yongsan International School of Seoul
6th Best: Tegu Kim, Shindong Middle School
Co-7th Best: Onew Choi, Korea Liberal Art School
Co-7th Best: Ryan Cha, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-7th Best: Ah-Young Park, Seoul International School
8th Best: Yeonsun Chung, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Co-9th Best: Sejun Park, Whimoon Middle School
Co-9th Best: Jiwoo Kim, Cheongju Solbat Middle School
Co-9th Best: Sunwoo Lee, Seoul International School
Co-9th Best: Eugene Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-9th Best: Jiho Lee, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Co-9th Best: Aiden Kunwoo Yoon, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-9th Best: Seungmin Chin, Chadwick International School
Co-10th Best: Julian Sung, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-10th Best: Jiahn Olivia Suh, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Witness some of the glorious debate rounds that unfolded during the Korea Junior National Debate Championships below:
The impact of the competition extended far beyond the confines of the debate hall. Participants emerged with a newfound sense of self-assurance, now ready to tackle challenges both inside and outside the realm of the tournament. “As a parent, it’s incredibly rewarding to see my child thrive in such a competitive environment,” reflects one parent. “The confidence she gained from the competition will serve her well in all aspects of her life.”
Their achievements echo not only within the field but also across a broader community, serving as a source of inspiration for both aspiring and experienced debaters. This year’s edition witnessed a remarkable number of schools and institutions in the region, each showcasing their unique talent. The following education institutions graced the event:
- Bakhyun Middle School
- Bongeun Elementary School
- Bongeun Middle School
- Branksome Hall Asia
- Busan National University of Education Elementary School
- Calvin Manitoba International School
- Centum Elementary School
- Chadwick International School
- Changmun Girls’ Middle School
- Changshin Elementary School
- Cheongju Solbat Middle School
- Cheongshim International Academy
- Chuncheon Sahmyook Elementary School
- Da-hyun Elementary School
- Daecheong Middle School
- Daechi Elementary School
- Daegok Elementary School
- Daemyeong Middle School
- Dulwich College Seoul
- Gadong Elementary School
- Hanyang Elementary School
- Hwarang Elementary School
- Imae Middle School
- Jinseon Girls Middle School
- Korea International School
- Korea International School Jeju
- Korea Liberal Art School
- Kyonggi Elementary School
- KyungBok Elementary School
- Nagwon Middle School (낙원중학교)
- Nammun Elementary School
- North London Collegiate School Jeju
- Onsaem Elementary School
- POI Elementary School
- SAIS
- Seoul Academy
- Seoul Daedo Elementary School
- Seoul Daegok Elementary School
- Seoul Daehyun Elementary School
- Seoul Foreign School
- Seoul International School
- Seung Ui Elementary School
- Shindong Middle School
- Sinsa Middle School
- Sookmyung Girls’ Middle School
- St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju
- St. Paul Seoul
- SungDong Elementary School
- Sungseo Elementary
- Whimoon Middle School
- Wirye Middle School
- Yeogo Elementary School
- Yeoksam Middle School
- Yongsan International School of Seoul
Although these debaters cultivate their skills across various institutions, they all embody qualities that set them apart as the brightest and most talented. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the continued growth and development of these young debaters. Their commitment to completing all the competitive rounds in the Korea Junior National Debate Championships in hopes to better their skills and engage in meaningful exchanges fill us with optimism for the future. With hearts brimming with pride, we anticipate the unfolding of their talent and skill in the debate community, fully confident in their destined path towards greatness.