Greetings.

I am Kwak Jin-gyu, Acting Chairman of the Jeju Free International City Development Center (JDC). As a forum for exchange for exploring ways to grow together in a rapidly changing era and sharing participants’ vision for the future, The Young Leaders Forum (YLF, Jeju), hosted and organized annually by the JDC, brings together young people, who represent future generation leaders, and distinguished leaders from various sectors of society.

For the past four years, the forum has amplified the voices of young people across generations, regions, and the world, embodying Jeju open values and philosophy of mutual growth. 

This year, the fifth YLF in Jeju, will discuss today realities and tomorrow challenges like the AI paradigm shift, global solidarity, and the climate crisis, under the overarching theme of A Turbulent Era: A New Future Confronted by Youths With a completely new format and content, this forum promises to be a meaningful opportunity to interpret the flow of social change from a youth perspective and explore future directions. I sincerely hope that it will serve as an opportunity for drawing inspiration and bold challenges for the young generation preparing for a new era, so please join me in sharing the indelible moments during the forum.

Thank you.

2025 Jeju Free International City Development Center
Acting Chairman Kwak Jin-gyu