Celebrating Young French Talents in Korea: The First Young Talents Award 2024
On December 3, 2024, the French community in Korea gathered at the Residence of France to celebrate the ambition of young French talents in Korea.
On December 3, 2024, the French community in Korea came together at the Residence of France for an inspiring evening organized by the Embassy of France in South Korea. The event marked the launch of the Young Talents Award - French in Korea 2024, celebrating the achievements of talented young French individuals making their mark in Korea.
With half of the French community in Korea under 30, this new prize, initiated by Benjamin Joinau, French Foreign Counselor and member of the Cercle des Entrepreneurs Francophones en Corée (CEFC), shines a spotlight on the creativity, ambition, and success of young people excelling in fields like research, entrepreneurship, and international volunteering.
The French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), as a proud sponsor and partner of the event, was represented by its Chairman, Mr. David-Pierre Jalicon, and CEO, Mrs. Sonia Chaieb, who personally awarded the Best Young Entrepreneur Prize. This category recognized two exceptional winners:
- 1st Prize: Lionel Mathieu, founder of Artwork Metal Roofing, whose expertise in metal architecture is reshaping the Korean skyline with a perfect blend of French craftsmanship and modern design.
- 2nd Prize: Laura Koeppler, creator of Sohnskin, a skincare brand transforming the way we care for atopic skin. Her playful and inclusive products are a game-changer for families dealing with eczema.
Both winners are a testament to the talent and perseverance of young entrepreneurs who bridge cultures and create lasting impacts in Korea.
The event also awarded two Best Young Researchers for their remarkable contributions to engineering and scientific advancement:
- 1st Prize: Faten Benrouba
- 2nd Prize: Dylan Motin
Finally, the winners of the Grand Prix V.I.E 2024, awarded earlier this year, also took the stage to receive additional gifts:
- First Prize: Alexia Boury
- Jury Prize: Françoise Jio Nam
- Innovation Prize: Michelle Vernier
- Integration Prize: Hugo Poirier
These individuals were recognized for their exemplary dedication as French international volunteers in Korea.
This first edition of the Young Talents Award - French in Korea, underscores the strong and dynamic ties between France and Korea, celebrating the stories of those who dared to dream and succeed abroad. The FKCCI is honored to support initiatives like these, which inspire and empower the next generation of French leaders in Korea. Congratulations to all the winners for their extraordinary achievements and contributions!
Are you a young French individual in Korea looking to connect with the French-Korean community in Seoul and take your career to the next level? Join the FKCCI as an individual member to enjoy discounts on FKCCI events, access to exclusive meetings, and receive the Chamber’s biannual magazine and member directory!
