Lotte Scholarship Foundation – HKI 

2025 Scholarship Program for Descendants of Independence Patriots

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, the Heritage of Korean Independence (Chairman Lee Jong-chan) and the Lotte Scholarship Foundation (Chairman Jang Hye-sun) will jointly conduct the “2025 Scholarship Program for Descendants of Independence Patriots.”

This program aims to honor the patriotic spirit and sacrifice of those who fought for Korea’s independence. We look forward to receiving many applications from descendants determined to carry on the spirit of our fallen heroes and illuminate the future of Korea.

1. Eligibility

Descendants of Independence Patriots, who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at domestic or overseas universities (33 students in total).

2. Application Period

March 4, 2025 (Tue) – April 2, 2025 (Tue), 10:00 AM

※ The list of scholarship winners will be announced on the HKI website in late April – early May 2025

※ Selected applicants will be notified individually.

3. Application Requirements

∙ Enrollment: Must be a current student (undergraduate or graduate) at a domestic or overseas university.

※ Regardless of nationality or residence, all descendants of the Independence Patriots are eligible to apply.

∙ Applicants must be able to verify their descent from Independence Patriots.

※ A verification document issued by the Korean government to confirm the applicant’s status as a surviving family member of an Independence Patriot is required.

※ If the applicant lacks an official verification document, it can be substituted with evidence related to the independence movement (e.g., news articles, books).

∙ No Korean Government Tuition Exemptions:

※ Applicants must not be receiving tuition exemptions under the Act on the Honorable Treatment of Independence Patriots (Article 15: Educational Support).

∙ Selection of applicants will prioritize those who come from lower-income families.

∙ Applicants must be registered (or planning to register, including new students) for the 1st and 2nd semesters of 2025.

4. Scholarship Details

∙ Scholarship Amount:

Total of 6 million KRW per selected student, disbursed in two installments (for the 1st and 2nd semesters of 2025).

※ In consideration of the cost of living in each country, the scholarship amount may be adjusted to below 6 million KRW.

∙ Payment Schedule:

May 2025 and October 2025 (subject to change).

※ Payments will be made upon verification of enrollment each semester.

※ If a student takes a leave of absence or graduates before payment, the scholarship for that semester will be forfeited.

5. Scholarship Recipient Obligations

∙ Mandatory Attendance at the Scholarship Award Ceremony (scheduled for May 2025):

※ Students studying abroad must attend online.

※ In unavoidable circumstances, an official explanation must be submitted in advance, and prior approval from the Lotte SF is required.

6. Required Documents ※All documents must be written in English

① Scholarship Application and Personal Statement (attached form)

② Certificate of Enrollment (issued within the last month)

③ Official Transcript (must show a 100-point scale; new students are exempt)

④ Certificate Verifying Lineage to Independence Patriot

⑤ Certificate of Family Relationship

⑥ Copy of Bank Account Passbook (student’s own account)

⑦ Family Tree (attached form)

⑧ Consent for Collection and Use of Personal Information & Consent for Use of Portrait Rights (attached form)

⑨ Additional Documents for Financial Status (if applicable)

7. Application Submission

∙ Method:

Submit online via the HKI website: www.gwangbok.kr

[Website → Public Relations → Notices → Click the relevant announcement link]

Direct Link: https://surveyl.ink/lotte_HKI_2025scholarship_ENG

▶ Click here to Apply ◀

※ No mail or in-person submissions will be accepted.

∙ Deadline:

Until 10:00 AM on April 1, 2025 (Tue)

※ Applications submitted by the deadline on the same day will be accepted.

8. Important Notes

∙ If any information on the application form or supporting documents is found to be false or incomplete, the applicant may be disqualified.

∙ If a recipient takes a leave of absence for personal reasons during the semester after receiving the scholarship, the disbursed amount must be returned.

∙ Applicants who have also applied for the 2025 HKI Scholarship Program may still apply, but cannot be selected for both programs simultaneously.

9. Inquiries

∙ Application & Selection: HKI

Tel: +82-2-780-0916 | Email: mina11g@gwangbok.kr

∙ Award Ceremony & Scholarship Management: Lotte Scholarship Foundation

Tel: +82-2-726-4428 | Email: seongjoo.lee@lotte.net

∙ Inquiry Hours: Weekdays, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (excluding 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)