<strong>YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea</strong> - Had the speakers at the 11th Annual Korean and English Speech Contest stood out of sight while giving their speeches at the Balboni Theater July 16, one might have mistakenly thought the English speeches were being delivered by U.S. Soldiers and the Korean speeches by Korean students.

In fact, the speech contest featured eight Korean primary school students who delivered their speech in English and seven U.S. Soldiers who delivered their speeches in outstanding Korean, according to the Korean language judges.

The contestants had to go through rigorous regional qualification rounds in order to earn their right to stand on stage at the theater.

Colonel Yoon Won-hee, Republic of Korea Army Support Group commander, delivered the opening speech.

"This is a very unique and special opportunity to strengthen the alliance between the two nations," said Yoon. "Communication is the key to any cohesive relationship and by holding this sort of event we are fostering an environment where cultural exchange and learning each other's language is actively encouraged."

Many of the speeches echoed Yoon's point by focusing on exchanging cultural knowledge.

Lee Ye-jin, a sixth grader from Joonang Elementary School located near Camp Carroll, won the grand prize for the English speech category. Her speech was titled, 'Unforgettable Memories with American Soldiers.'

"I prepared my speech for about a month," said Lee. She finished first in the June regional qualification rounds. "Studying with U.S. Soldiers and Korean Soldiers was a very special experience. I've learned a lot of new expressions. If I get the chance to compete again, I would like to come back next year."

The U.S. Soldiers also displayed enthusiasm for their Korean language speeches.

Private First Class Brian Burns from 1-38 Field Artillery received the gold prize for his speech about his experience in Korea. He has only been in Korea for about two months.

"I was very nervous going on stage," Burns said. "I've performed music in front of 3,000 people before -that's easy. But speaking Korean in front of 800 people was a whole other world. I think getting over the nervousness was the hardest part."

Burns is a fan of a popular Korean group, Girls' Generation. He even sang parts of their hit songs on stage. "Next year, I might attempt to bring my guitar and play their songs."

After nearly four hours, the contest ended.

A panel of judges, who admitted that they were "pleasantly surprised by the very high level of language skills," submitted their scores and the contestants were awarded accordingly.

Officials are already planning the next contest. The 12th Annual Korean and English Speech Contest will be held in 2010 at Yongsan Garrison.

<strong>English Speeches

Grand Prize</strong>

Lee Ye-jin, Joonang Elementary School, 6th grade

<strong>Gold Prize</strong>

Kim Min-jae, Sosabul Elementary School, 6th grade

Shim So-yeon, Sosabul Elementary School, 3rd grade

<strong>Silver Prize</strong>

Yoo Seung-min, Wonhyo Elementary School, 5th grade

Lee Chang-woo, Joonang Elementary School, 3rd grade

<strong>Bronze Prize</strong>

Lee Joo-hui, Jihaeng Elementary School, 6th grade

Kim Hyo-young, Itaewon Elementary School, 3rd grade

<strong>Korean Speeches

Grand Prize</strong>

Sgt. Andrew Noonoo, 527th Military Intelligence Brigade

<strong>Gold Prize</strong>

Pfc. Brian Burns, 1-38th Field Artillery

Spc. Michael Phares, 527th Military Intelligence Brigade

<strong>Silver Prize</strong>

Sgt. 1st Class James Jacobs, 2-2 Aviation Regiment

Cpt. Michael Barnett, 41st Signal Brigade

<strong>Bronze Prize</strong>

Sgt. Jeanette Craig, 168th Medical Battalion

Staff Sgt. Bryan Waddell, KATUSA Training Academy

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