2025 Sejong Writing Competition
Essay Winners
| Adult Division | Senior Division | Junior Division | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Jieon Yoo Madison, WI essay |
Maribelle Lee Northbrook, IL (Theo Henrich) essay |
Jelena Ly Emporia, VA (Sutania McBean) essay |
| Second | Lauren Cuppy Mt. Pleasant, SC essay |
David Lee Chalfont, PA (John Crea) essay |
Mason Wang Darien, CT (M Park) essay |
| Third |
Abbrielle Rocco Marietta, GA essay |
Ian Kim Andover, MA (Christopher Ishizuka-Wade) essay |
Lilia Dowlatshahi Los Angeles, CA (Rachel Moss) essay |
| Martha Pudner Shorewood, WI essay |
Joshua Pun Centreville, VA (Jennie Hwangpo) essay |
||
|
Liwon Kim Pleasanton, CA (Sun Choi)essay |
|||
| HM* |
Brielle Kim Champaign, IL (Lindsay Greenwood) |
||
|
Ariel Zhuang Irvine, CA (Rachel Moss) |
*Honorable Mention
( ) Teacher's name
Adult division
I am currently a graduate student in the Department of History at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, specializing in Cold War East Asia and modern Korean history. I came across a poster for the Wisconsin Sijo Competition hosted by the Sejong Cultural Society on a campus bulletin board, and that moment of serendipity led me to participate in this essay contest.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to my parents, who instilled in me a love for literature from an early age. My mother, in particular, was unable to attend university due to the socio-economic challenges Korea faced at the time, including poverty and a strong preference for sons, but she always loved reading books and encouraged me to explore the world of books. She often took me to bookstores and fostered an environment where curiosity and reading were part of daily life. She also taught me never to fear challenges or failure. Thanks to that unwavering support, I became a first-generation college student and the first in my extended family to study abroad in the United States. I am endlessly thankful for the boundless love and encouragement my family has given me.
This semester, I completed my master’s thesis, which explores how smuggling and black markets shaped South Korean society in the immediate aftermath of the Korean War. I hope to continue developing this research and contribute to the broader intellectual field of Korean history.
My name is Lauren Cuppy. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with degrees in Biological Sciences and Global Studies, and am currently residing in Kanazawa, Japan teaching English as a foreign language while also pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Nottingham. I became interested in Korea during a visit to Seoul two years ago. Though my main exposure to Korean culture has been through music and dramas, I am also interested in the history and rich literature of Korea.
I learned about this competition through a writing group on social media. I’m so grateful to Sejong Cultural Society for providing this space to explore Korean culture through a new lens—literature. Reading, analyzing, and writing about Pyun Hye-Young’s “O. Cuniculi” allowed me to draw on what I’ve studied in both my global studies and linguistics programs to understand this poignant perspective on modern society.
I hope to use what I’ve learned through this process as I continue to deepen my understanding of Korean society, culture, and eventually, the Korean language. I would like to thank one of my personal heroes, my aunt, who set me on a journey from a young age of critically analyzing the society we are part of, something that contributed greatly to the construction of this essay.
I discovered the competition through one of my professors and my Senior Research Project advisor at Emmanuel University, Paul Petrovic. He has always supported the exploration of my Korean heritage through the study of Asian American literature, so I am very happy to have earned this with his extensive support. Each year, he encourages his students to compete in the Sejong competition, so I have several friends and classmates who have won in previous years!
My mother was adopted from Korea as an infant and found out--5 years ago, in her late forties--that she was separated at birth from her twin brother. The interest I already had in Korean literature grew in intensity when this life altering discovery was made, and that happened to be at the time I got to college and met the professors who have always tailored to my interests and let me explore the Korean American experience I live as it is represented in literature.
Thanks to the study of literature I have grown from during my time in college, I plan to enter the teaching world as a high school English teacher. I hope to be able to cater to my students' experiences the same way my college professors have.
A person I consider my hero is my mom. Her life experience in going from having two biological relatives in my sister and I to going through the life change of finding out she grew up 5 hours away from the twin brother she was separated from at birth is an inspiring life story.
I am so thankful to anyone who has impacted my access to a college education and to my family and closest friends for letting me ramble about anything literary from critical theorists to etymology to historical fiction.
The day I moved back to the U.S. from Korea, my mom showed me the flyer for the Sejong Writing Competition which she had kept in a cupboard for months. A lover of short stories and all things surreal, I was fascinated with Pyun's portrait of modern Korean society in O. Cuniculi. I think I would've read it multiple times whether or not I was attempting to write an analysis of it.
I'm currently involved in creating adult education programs for my community. My ultimate goal is to be an advocate for my neighbors and a more just society. One of my all-time heroes is Alexei Navalny, and I hope to demonstrate the same courage and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles as he did. On a lesser note, I wouldn't mind visiting all the National Parks!
Thank you to the Sejong Cultural Society for putting on such an engaging event to promote Korean culture and for introducing me to a new favorite author, and a heartfelt congratulations to all the recognized entries!
Senior division
I am a junior at Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, IL. As a second-generation Korean-American with a deep love for Korean history and culture, I discovered the Sejong Writing Competition while exploring ways to connect more deeply with my heritage. The unique blend of history and creative expression drew me in, offering an opportunity to engage with my roots while honing my writing.
While crafting my essay, I explored how different readers might interpret Dr. Yi’s story, a narrative rich with themes of shifting identity, survival, and moral ambiguity. The story resists simple definitions of right and wrong, instead revealing how morality is shaped by personal experience and historical context. Through Dr. Yi’s journey, I came to understand that moral certainty is a rare privilege, especially in times of upheaval. Writing this piece pushed me to reflect on how history remembers those who navigate power and survival, and to appreciate the complexities that define human choices.
Looking ahead, I aspire to grow as a writer who brings untold stories to light. I hope to illuminate aspects of Korean history, especially through the lens of my Korean-American identity, and to help preserve cultural narratives for future generations. Whether through essays, storytelling, or other creative forms, I am committed to keeping our culture alive and resonant.
A person I consider my hero is my mom because of her unwavering strength, selflessness, and the bright, confident spirit that defines her. Her endless support and the way she always puts family first inspire me to face life’s challenges with courage and compassion.
I am a sophomore at Central Bucks South High School in Chalfont, PA. Through my writing teacher, I learned about this competition, and as a Korean-American, I thought the topic was engaging and interesting, so I decided to take a chance. I learned the complexity of Korean history and I realized how many hidden stories there are to tell. I also am beginning to understand what some humans are willing to do in order to survive... anything. I have yet to solidify a desire, however, I do want to go to a respectable university and eventually make my way into politics.
A person I consider a hero, Heung Min Son, is a living Korean soccer legend. The way he was brought up, the hardships, the loyalty, and, of course, the skill. Even though I don't even play soccer, he is my icon and someone that I have respected and admired for more than 10 years of my life.
My name is Joshua Pun, and I am a junior at Centreville High School. I discovered the Sejong writing competition through my school's English honors society. I never considered myself a proficient writer, but I decided to give it a shot anyways as I love reading.
While writing my essay, I was ambivalent towards Dr. Yi. As much as I disliked him for being spineless, I also understood why he did what he did. It helped me realize that in the real world, nothing is black and white, and there is nuance to everything. Moreover, I simply had a lot of fun writing, and I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to compete in this competition.
In the future, I want to make the world a better place, specifically through writing and public service. As Muhammad Ali once said, "service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."
I consider William Lloyd Garrison to be my hero. He was a leader of the abolitionist movement in the 1800s and created a seminal abolitionist magazine called "The Liberator."
I discovered the competition by seeing some winning entries in a close city’s newspaper.
While writing my essay, I became closer connected with my own Korean heritage and reconciled, or tried to reconcile, my relationship with my own grandfather.
My goal is to learn Asian-american history, specifically in the 19th century and connect to my predecessors as a modern Asian-American.
Person I consider my hero: Alison Bechdel, for her amazing comics and graphic memoirs.
Junior division
I am a 7th-grade student currently living in Emporia, Virginia. I moved here just a few months ago from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which was quite an adjustment, but during this transition, writing became my voice when words failed me.
I first discovered the Sejong Writing Competition through my English teacher, Ms. McBean, who recognized my passion for writing and encouraged me to submit my work. Her belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to share my writing with a broader audience, and I will forever be grateful for her guidance.
While working on my submission, I learned something valuable about the writing process itself. I discovered that revising isn't just about fixing errors—it's about finding the heart of your story. What started as a simple narrative gradually evolved into something more meaningful as I peeled back layers to reveal deeper truths. This process taught me patience and showed me how writing can be a journey of self-discovery.
My biggest heroes are my parents, who have supported me through every challenge. They've used their wisdom and words to help shape me into the person I am today, always emphasizing the importance of expressing myself clearly and honestly. Their unwavering belief in my abilities has been my foundation.
Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue a career in the medical field. I'm fascinated by how the human body works and feel drawn to helping others when they're most vulnerable. While I don't plan to become a professional writer, I believe the communication skills I've developed through writing will be invaluable in medicine, where clear expression and empathy are essential.
Winning this competition has shown me that my words can resonate with others. I'm grateful for this recognition and excited to continue using writing as a tool for self-expression throughout my journey.
I am a Persian-American eighth grader enrolled in Paul Revere Middle School and I live in Los Angeles. I became acquainted with the Sejong Writing Contest through my writing teacher Ms. Moss who encouraged my class to enter.
Through writing my interpretation of the renowned Korean folktale the Ox and the Goblin, I came to realize the inherent beauty of imperfection in writing–and its potential. My initial draft lacked moral complexity or analysis, yet it laid the foundation of a refined essay that transcended the prompt of a literature response. It revealed the silent promise that lies in every first draft.
The experience of revision was truly transformative. Every time I opened my document file, ambiguity hovered between the paragraphs. But with it came a sense of hope–a belief that a timeless truth could emerge. Through adapting a rectified perception of the editing process, I realized revising was more than rereading– it was reseeing, ultimately inviting both personal and societal reflection.
Although writing has recently become a nurtured academic passion, my biology lectures have inspired a parallel path toward medicine. A career in the medical field also reflects the same values that shape my moral foundation: extending compassion to the vulnerable and giving without expectation of return.
My heroes are my parents, whose unwavering support spans every arena–from dance to writing. They exemplify hospitality, witt and diligence, offering me not only a strong intellectual foundation but also a moral compass to navigate life’s adversities.
I am a seventh grader enrolled at Franklin STEAM Academy. I have lived in Champaign, Illinois for most of my life, though I was born in New York. I discovered this competition through my mother, who encouraged me to enter in order to extend my abilities as a writer.
Analyzing Ox and Goblin allowed me to understand different interpretations of the same story, along with how themes are conveyed in writing. I learned how the same events can be regarded in different lights, allowing me to understand how to improve the structure in other writing projects I work on.
My goals include improving my abilities as an author along with focusing on my studies. I’m hoping to work hard in order to get into college and become an educator, along with maintaining relationships and friendships.
The people who inspire me the most are my friends and family. I appreciate their support and how they truly care about my interests, encouraging me to try things I wouldn’t approach on my own. I hope to become more like them, and support them in the same way they do for me.
I discovered this writing contest through my teacher at LitQuest Academy, who encouraged my classmates and I to participate. Recently, I've just begun to learn various concepts and techniques related to essay writing. As a new learner tothese skills, I believed that entering this contest would not only help me elevate my writing skills but also deepen my understanding of diverse cultural approaches to learning.
With an introduction to Sejong Cultural Society, I explored the richness of Korean literature and was captivated by its folktales. At first glance, they may appear to be mere children's stories, but they hold profound messages about our connection to the world and the choices we make as individuals. The Ox and the Goblin taught me that when we perform kind deeds for others, that kindness will come back to us in unexpected ways. From Dolswe, I learned the valuable lessonto look beyond appearance and always be ready to assist those in need.
I am an ice and roller hockey player, and I also have a passion for creating art. This essay has truly allowed me to explore and express my artistic and creative side. My aspiration is to pursue a career as a professional ice hockey player while also staying committed to my passion for art. I am passionate about both my hobbies and try very hard to achieve my best in both. No matter which goal I choose to chase, I’m confident I will find joy in the journey!