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The Kyung Hee University System has established the Miwon Peace Prize to honor the legacy of its founder, Dr. Miwon Young Seek Choue (1921-2012). Dr. Choue dedicated his life’s work to his vision of “Creation of a Civilized World” where global society may live in freedom and peace. (Photo: Miwon Peace Prize introductory video clip)

In honor of the spirit and achievements of Dr. Miwon Young Seek Choue, founder of the Kyung Hee University System: winner announced on September 20th
Awarded to individuals and organizations dedicated to the betterment of human existence, the future of civilization, and global peace
A trophy by world-renowned sculptor and World Peace Sponsorship Fund will be awarded to the winner

The Kyung Hee University System established the Miwon Peace Prize in honor of the visionary achievements of its founder, Dr. Young Seek Choue (1921-2012), who devoted his life to the ideal of “Creation of a Civilized World”—a global society where people may live freely and peacefully. The prize’s motto, “Love for Mankind, Peace for Humanity—Towards Lux Humanitas,” reflects Dr. Choue’s vision and commitment. Lux Humanitas, meaning “light towards humanity” in Latin, symbolizes the pursuit of human wisdom and practices that guide humanity towards a global community of peace and coexistence within the cosmic order. This expression encapsulates both the philosophy and the lifelong achievements of Dr. Young Seek Choue to advance global harmony and peace.

The Miwon Peace Prize is awarded to individuals or organizations who have dedicated themselves to the betterment of human existence, the future of civilization, and global peace. The winner will receive a trophy by the world-renowned sculptor and Kyung Hee alumnus Eun-sun Park (Art Education, ’83) and a monetary prize of $200,000 USD (approximately 267 million KRW) as the World Peace Sponsorship Funds to support the continued efforts of the recipients. This prize is provided by the Miwon Peace Prize Sponsorship Foundation, established by the Kyung Hee Alumni Association in the United States.

The first recipient will be announced on September 20th, 2024, at the Peace BAR Festival hosted by Kyung Hee University to commemorate the UN International Day of Peace (September 21st). The awards ceremony will take place on November 29th at the Grand Peace Hall, held in observance of the UN General Assembly’s unanimous resolution to establish the International Day and Year of Peace on November 30th, 1981. The Miwon Peace Prize is awarded biennially, with candidates selected by the selection committee, and the final decision approved by the Kyung Hee Academy Board of Directors.

Dr. Miwon Young Seek Choue, who devoted himself to the peace of mankind

Dr. Miwon Young Seek Choue (1921-2012), founder of the Kyung Hee University System.

Dr. Young Seek Choue was an educator, philosopher, and practitioner who devoted himself to the peace of humanity. Throughout his life, he delved into the fundamental principles of the universe, exploring pathways towards a better future for humanity and civilization. Through his philosophical propositions that “all things are interconnected and mutually influence each other” and “interact within an infinite, holistic universe, ultimately reaching a realm of sublimation and harmony,” Dr. Choue established the Chonil-worldview(the Holistic Understanding of Our Times), representing the interconnection between the microscopic and macroscopic worlds and the organic resonance of existence therein. His philosophy is that, as human beings grow in accordance with the laws of nature, they must pursue humanity itself, consciously creating a new driving force for history through intentional and purposeful action.

Dr. Choue believed that this driving force resides in education and public service, leading him to establish the Kyung Hee University System to advance these goals. His seminal work, Creation of a Civilized World (1951), outlines the philosophy that forms the foundational spirit of Kyung Hee: a “civilized world” aspires to a new political horizon, moving beyond outdated ideologies and obsolete systems. This is a world grounded in freedom and peace, where human dignity and value are paramount, and “the equal rights of all people and nations, large and small” are upheld to foster coexistence and coprosperity. Dr. Choue sought to make Kyung Hee a cradle of creation dedicated to this vision: a place for scholarship, education, and practice that transcends the constraints and limitations of the times and extends outward to impact the world and the future.

Dr. Choue was also active in public service initiatives. In the aftermath of the Korean War, he led a series of social movements focused on rural development, poverty alleviation, reforestation, and the promotion of Better Living Movement. He advocated for the establishment of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) and was instrumental in the establishment of the UN International Day and Year of Peace, which ultimately led to historic results, including the Seoul NGO World Conference. His close cooperative relationship with the UN, UNESCO, and global civil society stands as testament to his commitment to humanitarian love and ideals.

In recognition of his contribution to world peace, Dr. Choue was awarded the Highest Honor in Humanity at the 1st World Humanitas Conference. He received a total of 69 awards, including honorary doctorates from 32 universities worldwide, the Einstein Peace Prize, the Hammarkskjöld Prize, the Gandhi Peace Prize, the Manhae Peace Prize, and the National Order of Mugunghwa, the Republic of Korea’s highest civilian honor. His philosophical and humanitarian vision is encapsulated in 51 published works, including On Democracy and Freedom, The Creation of the Civilized World, Reconstruction of Human Society, and Oughtopia.

The Journey of the Kyung Hee University System to design a better global civilization
With the belief that "a new era calls for new philosophy and ideology," Dr. Choue dedicated his life to advance the social application of Chonil-worldview (the Holistic Understanding of Our Times) on a global scale. He left behind such enduring reflections as, "Peace is more precious than triumph" and "If you lose peace, you lose everything"—statements that still resonate as essential questions for contemporary society, where peace remains in a state of crisis.

Humanity is facing an unprecedented turning point, where the foundation of human existence and peaceful way of life is shaken to the core. In addition to persistent challenges of hunger, poverty, war, and violence, we now face escalating new threats emerging from environmental destruction, ecological crisis, climate change, nuclear weapons, and rapidly advancing, potentially destructive technologies. Increasing political divisions around the world further intensify this global turmoil, and the severe realities of this era demand urgent transformative wisdom and efforts. We must create a turning point for our lives and future to progress on a peaceful and sustainable path. Now is the time to chart a new “map of consciousness and practice” and a “map of wisdom and cooperation” to uncover pathways towards harmony and coexistence between humanity and the world, civilization and nature.

For the past 75 years, the Kyung Hee University System has walked the path of “Academe and Peace” to realize its founding spirit of “Creation of a Civilized World.” It has strengthened its commitment to the public service of scholarship that contributes to humanity and civilization, moving beyond the conventional concept of peace as a mere absence of violence and war. Instead, Kyung Hee has continually reflected upon the broader meaning of peace, exploring it within the complex relationships between humans and the world, nature and civilization. It has strived to envision a peaceful future society with holistic thinking while recognizing the profound interconnectedness of all things in the world.

Recently, the Kyung Hee University System has embarked on a journey to design a better transitional pathway for global civilization, building upon and expanding the founding spirit of “Creation of a Civilized World” and “Academe and Peace.” Through the Miwon Peace Academy, Kyung Hee is broadening its activities in peace, scholarship, education, and public service in collaboration with educational and academic institutions, international organizations, and civil society around the world. As part of its commitment to create a new turning point, the Kyung Hee University System has established the Miwon Peace Prize to recognize and encourage global contributions to these shared goals.

The trophy of the Miwon Peace Prize: the Peace of the Earth trophy

The main trophy awarded to the inaugural Miwon Peace Prize recipient is by the world-renowned sculptor Eun-sun Park. The seven spheres adorned with olive branches symbolize the seven continents of Earth. The interconnected shape of the spheres represents the unity of the Earth in peace, signifying that all continents on Earth are intrinsically connected and exist as one. The olive branches that stretch out to embrace the continents also symbolize peace, drawing on the imagery of the olive tree as a symbol of peace in Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam. The top and bottom of the trophy are entirely made of bronze.

Eun-sun Park majored in sculpture (Art Education, ‘83) at Kyung Hee University and received his master’s degree from the National Academy of Fine Arts of Carrara in Italy. In 2018, he became the first Korean to receive the highest award in sculpture from the city of Pietrasanta in Tuscany, Italy, often called the “holy land of sculpture.” An art museum named in his honor is set to open in Pietrasanta in the latter half of this year, where he is celebrated locally as “Maestro.”