On April 23, 2023, the International WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “WeLoveU”) hosted the 24th New Life Family Walkathon, marking its first return in three years following a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The long-awaited event drew about 7,000 participants, including Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, WeLoveU members, and local community members, who gathered to walk together in unity and compassion.
Steps Taken for the Global Community: The 24th New Life Family Walkathon
Spring, the season when new life begins to emerge, naturally inspires renewed hope. Each year in April or May, WeLoveU holds the New Life Family Walkathon to deliver that hope to communities around the world. First launched in 2002 to support children with heart disease and incurable illnesses, as well as neighbors in need, the New Life Family Walkathon has continued for more than two decades. Its enduring journey is guided by Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah’s belief that “no member of the global family should live in loneliness.”
Even after the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has continued to face an unrelenting series of crises. In February, a massive earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria, claiming about 58,000 lives and destroying hundreds of thousands of buildings. In addition, by January, nearly 8 million people had been displaced by the war in Ukraine, which began the previous year. In response to the suffering caused by these ongoing disasters and conflicts, WeLoveU resumed the walkathon to share hope and solidarity with affected communities.
To participate in the 24th New Life Family Walkathon, about 7,000 WeLoveU members and local residents, dressed in bright yellow attire symbolizing hope and unity, gathered at the Peace Plaza in Seoul World Cup Park. The event was 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, Incheon Sejong Hospital, and the Sharing Medical Foundation for Seniors.
Leaders From Diverse Sectors Unite for the Global Community
The event began around 11 a.m. In her welcoming address, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah offered heartfelt comfort and encouragement to foreign residents in Korea who are working hard in their studies and daily lives far from home.
Through today’s Family Walkathon, I hope the message that humanity lives not ‘alone’ but ‘together’ will be conveyed to our global neighbors as encouragement filled with hope and courage,” she said. “We must remember that humanity is meant to live by helping, supporting, and encouraging one another. Even after the walkathon ends, let us continue to show care and support for neighbors in need. When we remain attentive and supportive of one another, the global community can become a world of peace and happiness.
Zahng Gil-jah, Honorary Chairwoman, International WeLoveU Foundation
Chairwoman Zahng was joined by members of the WeLoveU Board of Directors, Yi Bae-keun, Chairman of the Korea Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, broadcaster Kim Sung-hwan, and diplomats stationed in Korea from nine countries. These included ambassadors from Laos, El Salvador, and Belarus, as well as the Chargé d’Affaires of Angola, all of whom attended to show their support for the event’s successful hosting. Following the opening remarks, distinguished guests delivered congratulatory messages to encourage WeLoveU members.
Songkane Luangmuninthone, Ambassador of Laos to Korea, stated, “The positive influence of WeLoveU, which provides tailored support to communities around the world, will extend to other countries as well. I hope that solidarity rooted in love for humanity, such as today’s walkathon, will continue and help open a bright future for the global community.” Jaime José López Badía, Ambassador of El Salvador to Korea, expressed his gratitude for WeLoveU’s efforts toward a hopeful future and for the support extended to his country, adding that he expects the walkathon to serve “as a catalyst for deeper international cooperation.”
Walking Together Toward Hope for 23 Countries
Following the opening ceremony, the second part of the event featured the walkathon itself along with a variety of side activities. Participants walked a 1.3-kilometer route along the trails of Peace Park, starting from the Peace Plaza. Along the course and at the finish line, youth members promoted everyday environmental protection practices through lively performances combining choreography and song. After completing the walk, participants enjoyed a range of activities at the Peace Plaza, including an exhibition introducing WeLoveU, photo booths, and face-painting booths.
Andrei Chernetsky, Ambassador of Belarus to Korea, remarked, “Today’s family walkathon was truly impressive. Since society is built upon families, a happy society begins with happy families. When many families participate in events like this walkathon, a better society can be created.” Lee Ju-hee, a volunteer at the face-painting booth, shared, “It was deeply rewarding to contribute my talents to a good cause. I hope that all the children I met today will grow up to become adults who dream of helping others.”
Through the 24th New Life Family Walkathon, WeLoveU delivered hope to neighbors around the world who have suffered from various disasters. Support included 3,870 boxes of relief supplies and approximately USD 75,000 in donations for victims of the Türkiye–Syria earthquake. In addition, assistance will be extended to vulnerable populations in 20 countries, including those affected by the war in Ukraine, as well as residents of Laos, Mongolia, Mozambique, Gabon, Angola, and Chile. Within Korea, WeLoveU will provide USD 75,000 each in living and medical support and relief donations to 141 underserved and multicultural households, as well as to victims of wildfires. Furthermore, approximately USD 22,000 will be donated to the Sharing Medical Foundation for Seniors. Altogether, WeLoveU plans to deliver approximately USD 520,000 in support to neighbors in need both at home and abroad.
