By Yoo Yeon Gyeong
Video = Official YouTube channel of John F. Kennedy Foundation

President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have received a special International Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Library Foundation of the U.S., the Office of the President said on Oct. 30.

Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyundong and Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Mori on Oct. 29 attended the awards ceremony at the foundation's library in Boston on behalf of their respective leaders. 

In a video acceptance speech, President Yoon said, "He (President Kennedy) showed us that only those with real courage can bring about innovation and reform. His insight was a great lesson to me."

"I am honored to receive this year's 'Profile in Courage Award,' a symbol of John F. Kennedy's New Frontier."

"I am even more privileged to take this honor together with my dear friend, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida," he added. "I know that this award is a reminder of my solemn duty -- a profound sense of responsibility placed upon the Republic of Korea, the United States and Japan to promote freedom and prosperity around the world by standing together in solidarity."

In his acceptance speech also in a prerecorded video, the Japanese leader said, "With my friendship and trust with President Yoon, the two countries will pave the way to a new era, working in tandem as partners."

The award is named after the book "Profiles in Courage" written by the 35th American president whom the foundation is named after. Since 1990, the foundation has given the annual honor to politicians and officials displaying courage in leadership to protect the values of democracy and human rights. 

Previous winners include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last year, former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2017, former U.S. President George W. Bush in 2014 and former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in 2002. From 1990 through last year, 58 people received the award.

Earlier on Sept. 19, the foundation announced President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida as this year's honorees, praising both leaders for their contributions to improving bilateral ties.

U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy (left) on Oct. 29 presents the special International Profile in Courage Award to Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyundong (center) and Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Mori at the JFK Library Foundation in Boston. The two diplomats received the awards on behalf of their respective leaders. (Yonhap News)