[SPOTLIGHT]25/06/17 Korean Church honors those who protect, promote human life

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The Mystery of Life Awards celebrate upholding the the inviolable dignity of human life

Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul, South Korea, is seen with the recipients of the Mystery of Life Awards in Seoul on June 17. (Photo: Seoul archdiocese)

By UCA News reporter

Published: June 19, 2025 08:24 AM GMT

Updated: June 19, 2025 08:59 AM GMT

Pro-Life Europe has been named by South Korea’s Seoul archdiocese as being among the recipients of this year's Mystery of Life Awards which honor those who work significantly to advance the protection and promotion of human life.

Four individuals and organizations received their awards during a ceremony at the Royal Hotel Seoul on June 17, Seoul Archdiocese said in a statement.

Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul, who is also the president of Seoul Archdiocesan Committee for Life, presided over the ceremony.

Established by the Catholic Church to uphold the inviolable dignity of human life, the Mystery of Life Awards foster a culture of life by supporting academic research in the life sciences, humanities, and social sciences, as well as practical efforts that defend and nurture human life at every stage, the statement said.

This year, the Mystery of Life Awards gave a total of 500 million Korean won (approximately US$360,000) in prize money, reflecting a substantial increase from previous years. All laureates also received commemorative plaques.

This year’s laureates were celebrated for contributions ranging from scientific innovation to cultural and ethical discourse.

ProLife Europe was recognized for spearheading youth-centered education and advocacy campaigns across Europe in defense of human life.

Professor Jun R. Huh from the Harvard Medical School was honored for pioneering research in maternal-fetal immunology, which has deepened understanding of the biological foundations of human development.

Professor Jina Jang from the Pohang University of Science and Technology was acknowledged for advances in stem cell-based regenerative medicine, pursued with respect for Catholic bioethical principles.

Seo Hyo-in, poet and CEO of Anon Books was commended for cultivating a life-affirming literary culture and promoting ethical reflection through poetry and publishing.

During the ceremony, Chung reflected on the moral foundation of the Church’s pro-life mission.

He emphasized that “human life bears the divine imprint of God and must never be reduced to a tool or a means,” and that “any offense against human life is, ultimately, an affront to the Creator.”

He went on to affirm that defending the dignity of life is not merely a pastoral concern but lies “at the very heart of the Church’s identity.”

Chung also described the award as “an expression‎ of gratitude” to those who, in their respective fields, are building a culture that affirms life and resists what he called “the spread of the culture of death.”

The 2025 awardees were first announced during a Life Sunday Mass, celebrated at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, on May 4.