“Happy New Year!”

At Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah’s greeting, participants from around the world joined hands and exchanged heartfelt New Year’s wishes. The lingering cold that had persisted since January seemed to ease, and a warm atmosphere filled the venue.

On February 11, the event “Sharing the Warmth of Lunar New Year with Neighbors 2026” was held. Hosted by the International WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “WeLoveU”), the event took place at the WeLoveU Seongnam Pangyo Chapter. It was organized to encourage neighbors living in Korea away from their home countries and to share warmth and fellowship. Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah and members of the board attended the event. Yi Bae-keun, President of the Korea Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, was also present. Approximately 450 people participated, including international students, workers, and multicultural families from 26 countries, such as Nepal, France, the United States, China, India, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, and Ecuador. Diplomats were also in attendance, including Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to Korea, and Khuon Phon Rattanak, Ambassador of Cambodia to Korea.

In her welcome address, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah said, “National holidays are a time to share one’s heart with family. Yet for those living in a foreign country, they can also be a time when longing and loneliness grow stronger.” She expressed her hope that the event would foster greater mutual understanding and respect while sharing warmth with one another. She added, “As Korean society grows into a multicultural community, our differences are not divisions but assets that enrich us. Since you have come to a foreign land to shape the flowers and fruits of your lives, I encourage you to overcome difficulties and bear good fruit through your dedication and perseverance.”

In his congratulatory remarks, Ambassador Khuon Phon Rattanak said, “Lunar New Year is a special time symbolizing renewal, hope, harmony, and gratitude. Through gatherings like this, exchanges among communities will become even stronger.” He also expressed appreciation to WeLoveU for bringing tangible change to Cambodian communities through its support for education, healthcare, environmental protection, and social welfare.

In an interview, Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez said, “WeLoveU’s welfare activities are a great source of strength to the Filipino community.” She added, “I warmly welcome all members of the global family who are here today. I hope the new year will be filled with good health and happiness for everyone.”

During the luncheon, a festive Lunar New Year atmosphere filled the hall. Participants enjoyed traditional Korean dishes such as tteokguk, galbi, japchae, dried persimmons, and omija tea. They shared conversations at their tables and asked members about the thoughtfully prepared dishes.

Following the meal, a Korean cultural experience program took place. At the hanbok experience zone, participants dressed in colorful traditional attire. They tried grinding grains with a traditional millstone and experienced dadeumi, a method of smoothing clothes by gently pounding them with wooden sticks. Through these activities, they gained a deeper appreciation of Korean culture.

Christy Lopez, who came to Korea with her husband serving in the U.S. Forces Korea, said, “Since I mostly stay near Camp Humphreys, I have had few opportunities to experience Korean culture.” She added, “Korean traditions such as tteokguk and the millstone are very similar to those in my hometown in the Dominican Republic, and they reminded me of my parents. I am grateful to the WeLoveU members who introduced Korean culture so thoughtfully.” Najareno Neto, an international student from Angola, said, “In the winter, the cold makes it difficult to go out, which makes me miss my family even more.” Expressing his appreciation, he added, “Thanks to the members’ warm welcome, I’m leaving today with a full heart.”

Volunteer Park Min-ji from Seoul shared, “I once spent Lunar New Year abroad, and I remember how deeply I missed my family. Today, I wanted everyone here to feel that we are one family.” She wished all the participants a bright future.

On this day, WeLoveU presented cozy winter comforters to help participants stay warm and healthy throughout the season. Prior to the event, through the project “Sharing the Warmth of Lunar New Year With Neighbors 2026,” the organization donated approximately 1,900 winter comforters to underprivileged households through 53 local government offices across Korea.