The 32nd Korea-Japan International Environmental Award was given to Lee Yoo-jung, a haenyeo…

The 32nd Korea-Japan International Environmental Award was given to Lee Yoo-jung, a haenyeo from Jeju who collects underwater fishing nets and plastic waste to protect marine ecosystems, and the nonprofit organization "Ginza Honeybee Project" in Tokyo, which has been raising bees on building rooftops since 2006 to restore urban biodiversity and promote environmental education.

Lee became a haenyeo at age 31 and realized that marine debris poses dangers to divers. In 2024, she established the environmental group "Jeju Jumunyo," collaborating with navy special forces and maritime police to systematically collect underwater waste. She also educates students and returnees about marine ecosystems and raises awareness internationally.