On November 17, 2024, as a year marked by global challenges drew to a close, the 22nd New Life Concert was held at the Exhibition Hall on the first floor of Songdo Convensia in Incheon, Korea. Hosted by the International WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “WeLoveU”) and supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Korean NPO Coalition for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Korea Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and Incheon Sejong Hospital, the event became a powerful expression of compassion and solidarity. The concert was organized to support victims of climate-related wildfires and floods in eight countries, as well as vulnerable communities in Korea.Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah attended the event alongside diplomats, leaders from various sectors, distinguished guests, and WeLoveU members, all united by a shared commitment to global coexistence and mutual care.
Reflecting on a Year Shaped by Climate Challenges
In early January, the World Economic Forum (WEF)1 identified “extreme weather events” as the greatest threat to the global economy in its Global Risks Report 2024, warning that the long-term impacts of climate change would affect food, water, health, and overall security. Throughout the year, reports of unprecedented climate disasters continued to emerge, with headlines such as “Ecuador suffers consecutive wildfires amid its worst drought in 60 years” and “Nepal hit by record-breaking rainfall for the first time in 22 years.”
1. The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international non-governmental organization where experts from various fields, including economics and business, gather to discuss and research global economic issues.
Amid these realities, WeLoveU listened attentively to the voices of neighbors at home and abroad. Guided by Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah’s belief that “no one should live a life of loneliness,” the 22nd New Life Concert was organized as a platform to reflect on the year’s hardships, assess disaster conditions across countries, and mobilize meaningful support. On the day of the concert, Honorary Chairwoman Zahng, members of the WeLoveU Board of Directors, diplomats from six countries including Nepal, Peru, and Ecuador, leaders from politics, business, and education, WeLoveU members, and local residents gathered in solidarity. Approximately 13,000 people filled the venue, united in their desire to bring hope to those facing adversity.
Sharing Hope for Tomorrow Through the New Life Concert
The concert hall was filled with anticipation from early afternoon. At around 4 p.m., amid enthusiastic applause, the 22nd New Life Concert officially began. Part I featured a donation ceremony during which Honorary Chairwoman Zahng personally mentioned each disaster-affected country and expressed her heartfelt wishes for recovery and renewal.
Providing humanitarian support to countries that have suffered severe disasters and sharing new hope is a natural choice for us as people living together on the same planet,” she said. “Let us not lose courage or hope, and let us press on toward a better future. We will walk alongside you in times of hardship.
Zahng Gil-jah, Honorary Chairwoman, International WeLoveU Foundation
Following congratulatory remarks from invited guests, WeLoveU unveiled a donation board announcing its commitment to provide support to communities in need both internationally and domestically. Aid will be delivered to a total of eight countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Thailand, which have suffered severe flooding, and Paraguay, Ecuador, and Bolivia, which have experienced unprecedented wildfires. Within Korea, assistance will be extended to 100 underserved households in Seoul and Incheon, group homes for children affected by abuse, and a Mongolian family residing in Korea. The total amount pledged reached USD 290,000, equivalent to approximately KRW 406 million.
United Voices, One Heartfelt Wish
Part II of the concert featured full-scale performances that deeply moved the audience. The New Life Children’s Choir opened the stage, followed by performances from renowned singers Kim Sung-hwan, Yang Soo-kyung, Kim Jong-hwan, and Lia Kim. The popera group La Classe, along with sopranos Jung Chan-hee and Kang Min-sung, captivated the audience with art songs and arias. In the finale, all performers returned to the stage to sing the WeLoveU theme song, as audience members stood and joined together in song.
Singer Yang Soo-kyung shared, “I had long hoped to help others through music, and that desire led me to perform at the 22nd New Life Concert. I hope WeLoveU members will continue to hold the hands of those who are waiting for help, just as you are doing now.” Baritone Oh Yoo-seok added, “Helping others is not easy to put into practice, but seeing so many people come together as one makes this truly precious. I hope this concert continues for many years.”
Participants and guests alike shared a single heartfelt wish for a hopeful global future. Cho Min-ji, a WeLoveU member from Incheon, said, “Just as darkness recedes when each person lights a candle, I want to be a light that brightens the tomorrow of our neighbors around the world as a WeLoveU member.” Lee Young-hoon, Mayor of Michuhol District in Incheon, remarked, “I extend my gratitude to WeLoveU for reaching places beyond the scope of government support with hands of love. I hope this warmth spreads far and wide across the world.”