2026 KYHS Essay Contest > News and Events

2026 KYHS Essay Contest

This annual essay contest promotes Korean youths’ leadership, service, and scholarship. It also aims to influence society to learn from the youth and think about how to change the world.

Topic: Power Through Service: Redefining the Essence of Leadership

This year’s essay contest invites participants to explore the concept of servant leadership—a philosophy that challenges traditional ideas of authority by placing service, empathy, and community at the heart of leadership. Contestants are encouraged to examine how true leadership is defined not by control or status, but by the ability to empower others, build trust, and create lasting impact.

Essays may draw upon historical examples, contemporary leaders, organizational practices, or personal experiences to illustrate how servant leadership redefines power in today’s world.

How to Submit:
1. A middle school and high school student may submit essays. (or the same age) The contest welcomes not only KYHS members but all Korean youths. (Grade 7-11, as of fall 2026) At least one parent must be Korean (regardless of legal citizenship or residency)
2. Essays must be 600 or fewer words in English and must be typed.
3. Only one entry per person is accepted. Entries should be submitted to

 
https://forms.gle/8vVd4ZeuPtr4ooUq8

4. Essays must be original and unpublished. Plagiarized entries will be rejected.
6. Essays must be written by one person. Co-authored essays are not accepted.
7. Copyright of the essays entered will be assigned to the organizer (KYHS).

DEADLINE: 11:59 pm KST on Friday, July 3, 2026.

AWARDS:
1st Prize: Certificate and gift card (1 entrant)
2nd Prize: Certificate and gift card (1 entrant)
3rd Prize: Certificate and gift card (1 entrant)
Honorable Mention: Certificate and gift card (1 entrant)

For more information: Please contact the Korean Youth Honor Society
Phone: +82 010-7220-7176    Email: info@eduwashington.com

Please note that there will be no speech contest this year.

* All prize winners will be announced on Friday, July 17, 2026, on the KYHS website www.youthhonor.org

KYHS does not answer individual inquiries concerning contest results.


Winners of the 2025 KYHS Essay/Speech Contest

Essay Contest Winners
1st Prize: Not Selected

2nd Prize: Not Selected
3rd Prize: Nayeon Kwon (Cheongshim International Academy, 8th)

Speech Contest Winners Not Selected

Winners of the 2024 KYHS Essay/Speech Contest

Essay Contest Winners
1st Prize: Not Selected

2nd Prize: Soyoon Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul, 11th
3rd Prize: Yeonjae Kim, Branksome Hall Asia, 10th

Speech Contest Winners
1st Prize: Not Selected
2nd Prize: Seunghun Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul, 10th
3rd Prize: Josephine Lee, Chadwick International, 7th

Winners of the 2023 KYHS Essay/Speech Contest
Essay Contest

1st Prize: Claire Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul, 10th
2nd Prize: Yeondoo Lee, Henry M. Gunn High School, 11th
3rd Prize: Mohyeon Jo, 함안중학교, 3학년

Speech Contest
1st Prize: Not Selected

2nd Prize: Isaac Lee, Northwood High School, 11th
3rd Prize: Jimin Park, 소래고등학교 1학년

Winners of the 2022 KYHS Essay Contest
1st Prize: Not Selected

2nd Prize: Claire Lee (Yongsan International School of Seoul, 10th)

3rd Prize: Soyeon Shim (Chad wick International, 9th)

Winners of the 2021 KYHS Essay Contest
1st Prize: Na Rae Lee (Seoul International School, 10th)
2nd Prize: Kristin Park (Ivy Collegiate School, 10th)
3rd Prize: Seyoung Jang (Branksome Hall Asia, 10th)

Winners of the 2020 KYHS Essay Contest
1st Prize: Yuna Jang (St. Johnsbury Academy -Jeju, 9th)
2nd Prize: Minah Son (Korea International School-Jeju, 11th)

3rd Prize: Toni Ban (Asia Pacific International School, 10th)