The Yu Gwan-sun Prize, established by South Chungcheong Province, is firmly establishing itself as South Korea's most prestigious award for women.

The award ceremony, held on April 1st to commemorate Yu Gwan-soon's leading role in the March 1st Independence Movement at Cheonan's Aunae Marketplace, was attended by over 1,500 prominent figures from both domestic and international circles. Furthermore, starting next year, the number of awardees and the prize money will be significantly increased.

The Yu Gwan-soon Prize ceremony, held at COEX in Seoul on the 1st, was prepared on an unprecedented scale in terms of size and prestige, following the order of Governor Kim Tae-heum, chairman of the Yu Gwan-soon Prize Committee, to "elevate the status of the Yu Gwan-sun Prize to the highest level in Korea."

The number of attendees at the Yu Gwan-soon Prize ceremony has steadily increased over the years: △ Approximately 500 in 2019 △ Approximately 40 in 2020 △ Approximately 90 in 2021 △ Approximately 150 in 2022 △ Approximately 250 in 2023.

Last year saw a significant increase to 1,000 attendees, and this year the number further expanded to 1,500.

This year's attendees were also notable figures. Governor Kim Tae-heum and award recipient Song Chang-ju, director of the Lee Joon Martyr Memorial Hall, were present, along with Huh Myung, president of the Korea National Council of Women; Kwon Young-se, interim leader of the People Power Party; Lee In-sun, chairperson of the National Assembly's Gender Equality and Family Affairs Committee; Joo Hyung-hwan, vice chairman of the Presidential Committee on Aging Society and Population Policy; and Shin Young-sook, vice minister of Gender Equality and Family.

In addition, numerous foreign dignitaries attended to congratulate the award ceremony, including Maria Castillo Fernandez, Ambassador of the European Union to Korea; Micheal Winthrop, Ambassador of Ireland to Korea; Sara Solís Castañeda, Ambassador of Guatemala to Korea; Peter Van der Vliet, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Korea; Jeff Robinson, Ambassador of Australia to Korea; Örn Weichert, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Korea; Andrea Perrera, First Secretary of the Italian Embassy in Korea; and Kwak Chu-moon, Deputy Representative of the Taipei Representative Office in Korea.

The venue for the award ceremony was moved to COEX, a leading convention center in Korea, to overcome regional limitations.

The prize money is also being increased more than fivefold under the 8th popularly elected government to reinforce the award's prestige and encourage greater participation and interest.

Previously, the Yu Gwan-soon Prize winner received 20 million won, which was increased to 30 million won last year.

This year, it has been further raised by 20 million won to 50 million won. Starting next year, the award will be divided into three categories – Grand Prize, Top Excellence Award, and Excellence Award – with prize money of 100 million won, 50 million won, and 30 million won, respectively.

The Yu Gwan-soon Torch Award has also seen an increase in prize money, from 1.5 million won to 2 million won last year and 3 million won this year. From next year, scholarships of 2 million won will be awarded to up to five students who were not selected for the award.

A provincial official stated, "The expansion of awardees and prize money is aimed at identifying more female leaders who embody the noble spirit of patriotism and national love of Yu Gwan-sun in this era and to commemorate their achievements."

The Yu Gwan-soon Prize originated in February 1999 with the establishment of the basic plan for its creation and operation.

In 2020, considering Yu Gwan-soon's historical significance, the award was elevated to a national level. Subsequently, the Yu Gwan-sun Prize Committee was formed, and the first award ceremony was held in March 2002. To date, a total of 22 individuals have received the Yu Gwan-soon Prize, and 270 students have received the Yu Gwan-soon Torch Award.

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