The first New England Korean Speech Contest for area college students was held on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at Wellesley College.
The event drew 22 contestants – students from Boston College, Boston University, Brown University, Harvard University, MIT, and Wellesley College. More than 100 spectators came to support their friends and classmates.
The grand prize went to Christine Kwon from Wellesley college. She received ae round-trip flight ticket supported by Asiana Airlines.
Among the participants were two MIT students. Sarah Acolatse delivered a speech comparing the US and South Korea. Judges awarded her a Third Place prize. Sam Nguyen reflected on his first night in Seoul. He won the “Audience Choice” prize based on a vote by attendees.
The MIT Asian Dance Team (Crystal Chang) dazzled the audience with their K-pop performance and were greeted by enthusiastic cheers and applause.
This event was supported by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Asiana Airlines, and Wellesley College. Hee-Jeong Jeong, Lecturer in Korean at MIT, served as the Master of Ceremonies, Heeyeong Jung, also a lecturer in Korean at MIT, served as the one of judges.
Sarah Acolatse accepts her prize.
Sam Nguyen presents his talk.