Table of Contents
- Busan Youth Talent Taking Steps to the Global Stage
- Finalists: Kim Jinju, Yang Seungmin, Kim Hyunjun
- The Only Local Government in the Nation to Provide Up to 100 Million Won
- Selection Process Enhanced for Fairness and Professionalism
- Current Status of Youth World-Class Selectees (2021-2024)
- Busan Nurtures the Future Young People Dream Of
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Busan Youth Talent Taking Steps to the Global Stage
The final selectees for the '2025 Youth World-Class Development Project' conducted by Busan City have been determined to be three individuals.
A total of 120 people applied for this project, and those selected have shown exceptional potential in the fields of innovative leadership, culture and arts, and future new industries.
This initiative holds great significance in nurturing global talents who will lead the future of Busan beyond mere financial support.
Finalists: Kim Jinju, Yang Seungmin, Kim Hyunjun
The individuals selected are ▲ Kim Jinju for the Innovative Leaders category, ▲ Yang Seungmin for the Culture and Arts category, and ▲ Kim Hyunjun for the Future New Industries category.
Ms. Kim Jinju has been active in supporting crime victims and working to improve societal awareness. She is expanding her voice through her book "I Will Fight, Because I'm Not Dead" and plans to contribute to strengthening the social safety net as she pursues a career in law.
Mr. Yang Seungmin is a global performance producer active in Busan, having achieved several international accomplishments. He signed a contract with a British West End production company, toured in three European countries, and is actively promoting Busan's performing arts on the global stage through co-production with New York's La MaMa Experimental Theater.
Mr. Kim Hyunjun is a young entrepreneur who has developed innovative solutions using AI and digital twin technology to address the aging water supply network. He has won numerous awards, including the Minister of Environment Award, recognizing his technological expertise, and is expected to contribute to establishing Busan as a hub for smart water management technologies.
The Only Local Government in the Nation to Provide Up to 100 Million Won
The Youth World-Class Development Project initiated by Busan City is the only program in the nation that provides up to 100 million won per individual for capacity development.
This funding will be provided gradually over three years and will offer various opportunities such as specialized training, overseas study, and international networking.
This establishes an institutional foundation for youth to further develop their capabilities in a stable environment.
Selection Process Enhanced for Fairness and Professionalism
The selection process consisted of a total of three stages of deliberation. In this process, an expert evaluation panel and a citizen evaluation panel participated together to ensure the fairness of the assessment.
In particular, the third public review conducted at KT&G 'Sangsangmadang Busan' was a crucial procedure that emphasized transparency and openness.
The 71% increase in the number of applicants compared to last year reflects the high interest of youth in this project.
Current Status of Youth World-Class Selectees (2021-2024)
| Category | Name | Field | Major Achievements |
| 2021 | Kim Hyo-yeon | Photography | '21 British Journal of Photography Portrait Category Grand Prize (UK) |
| Yoon Seok-woon | Fashion Design | '21 Korea Designer Fashion Awards Men's Wear New Designer Award | |
| Park Jae-hong | Startup | '21 Selected as Local Startup of the Year (Ministry of SMEs and Startups) | |
| 2022 | Kang Hyun-min | Composition | '22 Awarded the IVLP Impact Award by the U.S. Department of State |
| An Jong-hak | Dental Technology | '22 Special Lecture at Busan Catholic University Overseas Employment Class | |
| Kwon Ki-baek | Startup (Environment) | '22 Best Award at Public Technology Youth Technology Startup Competition | |
| 2023 | Oh Sung-eun | Literature (Novels) | '23 Selected as Outstanding Publishing Content by the Korean Publishing Culture Industry Promotion Agency (Las Palmas Doesn't Exist) |
| Jeon Ji-sung | Culinary | '23 Only Busan Selected Among Top 10 in Blue Ribbon Survey Nationwide | |
| An Hu-yoon | Composition | '23 Selected as Commissioned Composer for the | |
| 2024 | Jung An-yong | Visual Arts | '22 Runner-up at WIKONOMYART ART PICK OPEN CALL |
| Na Hae-ri | Startup (ESG) | '22 Selected as Excellent Social Enterprise by the Korea Social Enterprise Promotion Agency | |
| Ha Dae-soo | Startup (Sports) | '23 Best Award in the ICT & Smart Healthcare-based Sports Industry Idea Competition |
Busan Nurtures the Future Young People Dream Of
Busan City plans to strengthen its talent workforce through even more diverse youth policies, starting with these three individuals. This project, which began in 2021, has been producing innovative youth every year, contributing to Busan's international competitiveness.
The selected talents are expected to achieve impressive results by communicating with the global stage in their respective specialized fields. Busan is establishing itself as a city that actively supports the growth of these young talents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Who are the final selectees for the Busan Youth World-Class Development Project?
The final selectees for the 2025 Busan Youth World-Class Development Project are Kim Jinju, Yang Seungmin, and Kim Hyunjun.
Three young individuals have been selected for Busan's 2025 Youth World-Class Development Project. Kim Jinju is selected for the Innovative Leaders category, Yang Seungmin for the Culture and Arts category, and Kim Hyunjun for the Future New Industries category, each recognized for their outstanding potential. They are preparing to step into the global stage in their respective fields.
Q. What support does the Youth World-Class Development Project provide?
The project provides up to 100 million won per individual for capacity development, paid gradually over three years.
This initiative offers the maximum support of up to 100 million won per individual, which is the only such offering among local governments in the country. This funding, provided over three years, includes various opportunities such as specialized training, overseas studies, and international networking, allowing youth to develop in a stable environment and realize their dreams.
Q. How was fairness ensured in the selection process?
Fairness was ensured through a three-stage evaluation involving experts and citizen evaluators.
The selection procedure consisted of a total of three stages, with participation from both an expert evaluation panel and Busan citizen evaluators. Notably, the third public evaluation held at KT&G 'Sangsangmadang Busan' was a procedure emphasizing transparency and openness. This multi-faceted evaluation process maintained high standards of fairness and professionalism.
Q. What significance does the Youth World-Class Project hold for Busan?
It has great significance as a project to nurture global youth talents that will lead Busan's future.
The Youth World-Class Development Project is a core policy for Busan City to cultivate competitive talents for the global stage beyond simple support. Since its inception in 2021, it has continually produced innovative young talents, contributing to Busan's international competitiveness. This initiative is crucial for realizing Busan's vision as a future city that supports the growth and dreams of its youth.