Poise Under Pressure: Korea National Debate Championships - Asian 3v3

26 April 2024

Amidst the backdrop of digital screens and keyboard keys, the 2024 edition of the Korea National Debate Championships – Asian 3v3 transcended geographical limitations to bring together debaters and adjudicators in a virtual gathering of intellectual exchanges on the 20th and 21st of April. This two-day tournament witnessed the convergence of young minds aged 13-18 from several institutions across South Korea, alongside distinguished adjudicators from across the Asia Pacific region.

Over the course of two days, the participants engaged in rigorous debate exchanges concerning contemporary issues and topics, such as economics, education, religion, social, medical, etc. Each debate round served as a testament to the depth of research, clarity of arguments, and poise under pressure displayed by each debater. As the competition drew to a close, several teams and individuals distinguished themselves through their remarkable performances, etching their names onto the prestigious shelves of Korea National Debate Championships. Here, we recognize and celebrate the champions and the finals best speakers who excelled in this prestigious competition:

Champions (18-and-Under Category)

  • Waan Choi, Seoul International School
  • Nayoun Kang, Chadwick International School (Finals Best Speaker)
  • Seunghun Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul (Finals Best Speaker)

Champions (16-and-Under Category)

  • Alex (Hayoung) Jung, Seoul Foreign School (Finals Best Speaker)
  • Connie Han, Dulwich College Seoul
  • Brooke Lai, Yongsan International School of Seoul

Champions (15-and-Under Category)

  • Sean Sangmyung Chung, Seoul International School
  • Joseph Hahmmin Kang, Seoul International School
  • Kevin Seojin Kim, Seoul International School (Finals Best Speaker)

Champions (14-and-Under Category)

  • Seungmin Lee, Chadwick International School
  • Sienna Park, Chadwick International School (Finals Best Speaker)
  • Dain Lee, Asia Pacific International School

Champions (13-and-Under Category)

  • Annabelle YD Lee, Seoul International School (Finals Best Speaker)
  • Yunseong Kim, Korea International School, Jeju Campus
  • Jacob Sung, Yongsan International School of Seoul

Stepping onto any stage requires more than just knowledge and skill; it demands courage, confidence, and composure. Accordingly, we also recognize these outstanding debaters for earning their well-deserved awards across various categories:

Finalists
Grandfinalists

Hyeeun Lee, North London Collegiate School

Nancy (Gao) Yifei, North London Collegiate School

Jerry (XU) Weifeng, St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju

Best Speakers
Top 3 Best Speakers

Overall Best:  Waan Choi, Seoul International School

2nd Best: Jerry (XU) Weifeng, St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju

Witness some of the glorious debate rounds that unfolded during the Korea National Debate Championships below:

This year, the Korea National Debate Championships welcomed an impressive array of institutions, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of intellectual discourse witnessed in the tournament. We recognize the pivotal role played by these institutions in shaping the landscape of competitive debating, overcoming boundaries and uniting both experienced and budding debaters in their pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

  • Asia Pacific International School
  • Branksome Hall Asia
  • Busan International Middle School
  • Chadwick International School
  • Daegu International School
  • Dulwich College Seoul
  • Eonju Middle School
  • Halla Middle School
  • Hongcheon Middle School
  • HPrep Academy
  • Korea International School
  • Korea International School Jeju Campus
  • Korea Liberal Art School
  • North London Collegiate School Jeju
  • Saint Paul Preparatory Seoul
  • Seoul Foreign School
  • Seoul International School
  • Sincheon Middle school
  • Sookmyung Girls’ Middle School
  • St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju
  • Wirye Middle School
  • Wonchon Middle School

As we come to the end of the Korea National Debate Championships, we find ourselves inspired by the remarkable journey of these young debaters from across the South Korean region. They have faithfully demonstrated intellectual rigor and eloquence round after round of competitive debates, adeptly navigating the complexities of each challenge with precision and grace. As they continue to hone their skills and widen their horizons, we eagerly anticipate the profound impact they will undoubtedly make in academia and beyond. With hearts full of pride and anticipation, we look forward to witnessing the continued blossoming of their talent and skill in future debates, knowing they are destined for greatness.