The Catholic Church in Korea honored four individuals and organizations for their contributions to the protection of human life during the 19th Mystery of Life Awards ceremony held June 17.
Hosted by the Archdiocese of Seoul’s Committee for Life, the annual awards recognize achievements in science, humanities, and social action that uphold the Church’s pro-life mission.
This year’s ceremony was presided over by Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, president of the committee and Archbishop of Seoul, alongside Auxiliary Bishop Job Yo-bi Koo, vice president.
In his opening remarks, Archbishop Chung reaffirmed the moral foundation of the Church’s mission to defend life.
“Human life bears the divine imprint of God and must never be reduced to a tool or a means,” he said, adding that “any offense against human life is, ultimately, an affront to the Creator.”
He described the Mystery of Life Award as “an expression of gratitude” to individuals and institutions working to build a culture that affirms life and resists “the spread of the culture of death.”
This year’s awardees were:
- ProLife Europe, for leading youth-centered education and advocacy campaigns across Europe in defense of life.
- Professor Jun R. Huh of Harvard Medical School, for pioneering research in maternal-fetal immunology.
- Professor Jina Jang of Pohang University of Science and Technology, for her work on stem cell-based regenerative medicine pursued within Catholic bioethical principles.
- Seo Hyo-in, poet and CEO of Anon Books, for promoting a life-affirming literary culture and ethical reflection.
The Committee awarded a total of KRW 500 million (approximately USD 360,000) in prize money—its largest to date. Each recipient also received a commemorative plaque bearing Archbishop Chung’s name.
The laureates were first announced during the Life Sunday Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral on May 4.
As the Church prepares to host World Youth Day in 2027, the Committee for Life said it will prioritize support for young scholars and advocates over the next three years, with the increased prize fund intended to widen global participation.
Now in its 19th year, the Mystery of Life Award continues to highlight the Church’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity of life through research, culture, and public witness.
