Korean-German alum network hosts inaugural ADeKo Awards
ADeKo, a Korean-German alum network, convened the inaugural ADeKo Awards at the Goethe-Institut Korea in Seoul, Feb. 22. The event served as a platform to honor individuals and organizations instrumental in fostering exchanges and collaborations across various sectors between the two nations.
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of Son Woongjung, father of Korean football player Son Heung-min who plays for Tottenham Hotspur in England, in the cultural sector. His significant contributions to the promotion of cultural exchanges between Korea and Germany earned him this prestigious accolade.
The ADeKo Awards, aimed at incentivizing and encouraging efforts to enhance bilateral relations, comprise three distinct categories: culture, science and public affairs. The selection process, spanning over four months, involves rigorous assessment by a committee tasked with identifying deserving recipients.
Along with Son, the ceremony saw Lee Jeong-mo, the former director of the Gwacheon National Science Museum, being honored in the science category and Kim Edeltraut, CEO of the Korea-Germany Literature Translation Research Institute, recognized for her contributions to public affairs.
“Thanks to the efforts of many people for the solidarity between Korea and Germany, we could feel once again through this ADeKo Awards that the two countries have maintained a strong relationship for over 140 years. I sincerely congratulate and thank the first recipients,” said Kim Hyo-joon, CEO of ADeKo.
Established in 2006 with support from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), ADeKo has been instrumental in broadening mutual understanding and cooperation between Korea and Germany.
Through its various endeavors spanning science, technology, industry, trade, politics, humanities and social sciences, ADeKo has facilitated substantial advancements, contributing to the development of both societies.