This year’s Nobel Prize winners have finally all been announced. There is no doubt that the winners have worked extremely hard and have dedicated their lives in their respective fields. Even though there is sometimes dispute concerning the winners, one can overlook the flaws when considering that nothing in this world is perfect.

The year’s winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Chinese novelist Mo Yan, happens to also be last year’s winner of the Manhae literary prize. Korea has several prizes given on an international scale, but it is very rare for the winners of these prizes to also receive a Nobel Prize. It is something to celebrate.

While on this topic, I would like to introduce an episode concerning the judging of this year’s Manhae Prizes. This year’s winners in the peace category were Buddhist monk Song Wol Joo and Aki Ra, a Cambodian peace activist working relentlessly to remove mines in Cambodia. The literary prize was awarded to Princess Souad Mohmmaed Al Sabah of Kuwait and literary critic Prof. Kim, Jay Hong. And lastly, the Manhae social service prize was given to Rene Dupont, Catholic bishop and former head of Andong Catholic Diocese in South Korea; Dr. Kurt Cribl, mayor of Augsburg, Germany and, Otani Monshy Koshin, a minister of Buddhism in India.

Among these winners, a few were in their early forties. “Aren’t the recipients too young?” some skeptically voiced. In response, the great monk and establisher of the Manhae awards, which began from the late 1990s, Cho O-hyeon stated, “You are right. However, if younger individuals receive these awards, think about how they will continue to devote the rest of their lives. I think it’s a great decision.”

Arriving in Kuwait on the morning of the 15th, I have been constantly pondering over the AsiaN’s role in breaking down prejudices about Islam culture and the Arab world. Next week, we hope to present related articles to all of you.

October 17, 2012

Sincerely
Lee Sang-ki in Kuwait, CEO & Publisher of the AsiaN

www.theasian.asia

kor.theasian.asia

cn.theasian.asia