Greetings from the Co-Chairmen of
the Hinzpeter Awards Organizing Committee

• 
  

  • Yoon Mok-hyun
  • Co-Chairman of the HAOC
    (Chairperson of the May 18 Foundation)

  Greetings,
  
  In May 1980, amidst the brutal state violence in Gwangju, there was a journalist who risked everything to record the truth and bring it to the world: German journalist Jürgen Hinzpeter. His courage and dedication remain a guiding light for us today as we reflect on the values of democracy, human rights, and peace. Established in his honor, the Hinzpeter Awards carries forward the spirit of journalists who document the truth.
  
  The Hinzpeter Awards has become more than just a recognition. It now serves as a platform for solidarity among journalists across the globe and for sharing the universal value of genuine journalism. Through this award, we extend our deepest respect and solidarity to journalists who strive on the frontlines to uncover facts in the face of daunting challenges.
  
  Even today, wars, oppression, censorship, and repression continue to unfold across the world. Yet, countless journalists, following in Hinzpeter’s footsteps, risk their lives to record the truth. We must never forget that their sweat and sacrifice uphold the conscience of humanity.
  
  The spirit of May 18 is built upon an unwavering belief in truth, justice, solidarity, and peace. I sincerely hope that the Hinzpeter Awards will continue to stand as a steadfast companion to all journalists who resist lies and distortion, safeguard truth, and pursue a better world.
  
  I extend my deepest gratitude to all who join us on this journey, and I wish for your continued safety and meaningful work ahead.
  
  Thank you.

• 
  

  • Youn-song Choi
  • Co-Chairman of the HAOC
    29th President of the Korean Video Journalists Association

  I had to cry. At the 4th Hinzpeter Awards in November 2024, listening to the acceptance speech of Salah Al Haw, the Grand Prize winner, I cried with them over their sorrow of losing their colleague, Marwan Al Sawaf, in the war. And I cried again, just a month later, when martial law was declared. A barbaric night passed as citizens and soldiers confronted each other. Numerous protests arose, and through the power of democratic citizens, the mastermind of the insurrection was impeached. The faces of citizens brought tears to my eyes. They were suppressing their emotions and trying to carry on with their daily lives, even after hearing the news that the president who attempted dictatorship had been impeached.
  
  This is the Republic of Korea 2025, a so-called country with advanced democracy, where we once believed that democracy had been fully achieved thanks to journalist Hinzpeter's life-risking reporting. Through the recent crisis, we once again realized how fragile our democracy is. However, even in this desperate situation, South Korea's video journalists became new Hinzpeters, by covering the scene, and ultimately defending democracy alongside the citizens. The dedicated journalistic spirit of Hinzpeter from 1980, which had been inherited and sleeping in the DNA of South Korean video journalists, manifested again in 2024.
  
  The Hinzpeter Awards were created to encourage video journalists around the world who dedicate themselves to human rights and democracy. And this year, we are aiming to fulfill that sacred mission once again. The enemies of democracy can reappear anytime, anywhere. The Hinzpeter Awards are both an encouragement and a warning. The awards warn of a crisis of democracy that could strike back at any moment and tell us to be prepared in advance. I’m paying my deepest tribute and respect to every video journalist around the world who risk their lives to cover the front lines today, and I invite all of you to the Hinzpeter Awards this year. Thank you.