The New Life Concert, which brings warmth to neighbors in need worldwide and offers solace to those weary from the pandemic, returned after four years. On November 29, 2023, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as WeLoveU) hosted the 21st New Life Concert at the Jamsil Student Gymnasium (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Student Gymnasium) in Seoul. Approximately 6,000 members and citizens gathered in unity to sing of love and hope.
The New Life Concert Returns, Overcoming the Pandemic
As the global economy contracted and physical interactions declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of disaster victims unable to receive aid increased, especially amid crises such as wars and earthquakes. In the post-COVID era, WeLoveU Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah and its members took action to extend a compassionate helping hand to those in need.
Amid the onset of winter’s chill, WeLoveU revived the New Life Concert. Even before the event began, the concert hall buzzed with excitement as WeLoveU members and citizens, who had eagerly awaited the concert for years, arrived with enthusiasm. Attendees, joined by family and friends, captured joyful moments through photos.
The concert welcomed Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, WeLoveU board members, distinguished figures from the legal and education sectors, and diplomats from 10 countries, including Sierra Leone, Mongolia, Belarus, Laos, and Iraq. Their presence highlighted the significance of the long-awaited event. The concert was sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korea Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, the Korea NPO Coalition for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and Incheon Sejong Hospital.
New Life Concert Inspires a Heartfelt Embrace of Neighbors
“The New Life Concert, briefly suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has resumed this year. During that time, countless people worldwide have endured the sorrow of losing family and neighbors due to war, extreme weather, and natural disasters. ‘Let no one live a lonely life, with a mother’s heart.’ This slogan defines the mission of the WeLoveU Foundation. With unwavering dedication, WeLoveU will continue striving for the happiness of the global family next year, ensuring that the support and expectations entrusted to us are fulfilled.” Honorary Chairwoman of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation, Zahng Gil-jah
Following the opening remarks by Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, invited guests delivered congratulatory speeches. Counsellor Asem B. A. Abdelmalik of the Embassy of Libya to Korea expressed, “I believe the New Life Concert, which began in 2000 and has continued for so many years, has endured because it delivers hope through the love of many people. I trust that this powerful force of love will make the world a more beautiful place.” H.E. Oyunbaatar Jagdag, Chargé d’affaires of Mongolia to Korea, added, “The New Life Concert is one of WeLoveU’s most significant events. I commend WeLoveU for its dedication to helping those struggling with disasters, illness, and poverty, ensuring they can live in peace and with dignity.”
Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, joined by distinguished guests, unveiled a donation plaque, pledging 260 million KRW (approx. 200,000 USD) to support disaster victims and vulnerable communities. The funds will assist five countries at risk of submersion due to the climate crisis—Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, and Samoa—as well as those affected by the earthquake in Morocco, the floods in Libya, and 141 multicultural and vulnerable households in Korea.
A Moment of Unity Through Song
The second part of the concert began with a lively and heartwarming performance by the New Life Children’s Choir. The stage came alive as performers—including opera singers and pop artists—celebrated the long-awaited return of the concert after four years, presenting a diverse repertoire of art songs, opera, and pop music.
Singer Lee Yong’s emotional rendition of “Forgotten Season” left a deep impression, while opera singers Oh Yu-seok and Yun Seung-hwan electrified the audience with the Italian pop song “Volare (Fly).” The night reached its peak when singer Jeong Su-ra delivered a powerful performance of “Ah, Korea,” prompting an enthusiastic standing ovation. Singers Lee Seung-hun and Kim Seong-hwan also took the stage, sharing heartfelt messages of love and hope through their performances.
Singer Yun Tae-gyu reflected on the experience, saying, “I truly missed this moment during the pandemic. Being here again to sing and help our neighbors moved me to tears.” Similarly, tenor Yun Seung-hwan shared, “I can feel the warm, motherly hearts of WeLoveU members. The cheers and applause from so many people give me even greater strength.”
Among the audience, Mr. Seo Du-han, in his 50s, who attended with his wife, shared, “Though I’m still facing challenges, seeing children in need reminds me of my own difficult childhood, and it makes me want to help in any way I can. I hope today’s concert spreads more warmth and love across the world.”
Meanwhile, Im Hyo-jeong, a WeLoveU volunteer, expressed, “Since we all share the same world, I came to this event, believing that the struggles of others are our shared responsibility. I hope that through this concert, those in need can overcome their challenges day by day.” Her words echoed the spirit of the New Life Concert, reinforcing its mission to bring hope, unity, and compassion to communities worldwide.
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