TC Activities "未来/未來"(future) Selected as the CJK Spirit Word of the Year 2025
2025-01-01
The Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) announced the selection of the Chinese character "未来/未來," meaning "future," as the CJK Spirit Word of the Year for 2025. The selection reflects the three countries' shared commitment to building a promising future together, which is particularly meaningful as 2025-2026 marks the beginning of the China-Japan-ROK Cultural Exchange Years.
From November 1 to 30, 2024, over 15,299 citizens from the three nations participated in the selection process by voting for one Chinese character out of the 6 candidate characters, which is 52 % more than the year 2023. "未来/未來 (future)" received the highest number of votes, gathering 3,136 votes out of a total of 15,299 votes. Runners-up included "友好 (friendly)" (3,017 votes) and "理解/理解 (understand)" (2,939 votes).
"The chosen word '未来/未來' reflects our citizens' shared optimism and determination to build stronger ties in the future. This word serves as a reminder that while we may face challenges today, our shared future holds immense potential ,” said LEE Hee-sup, Secretary General of TCS, “The character '未来/未來' in all three languages represents not just time ahead, but also opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and mutual growth."
Now in its third year, the CJK Spirit Word of the Year campaign continues to promote interaction and cultural exchange among citizens of the three countries, which share the common Chinese characters. The campaign has seen growing participation, following "和合 (harmony)" in 2023 and "交流 (exchange)" in 2024.
TCS Event
Documents
- 15th Trilateral Cultural Ministers' Meeting Kyoto Declaration_JP
- Joint Statement of the 16th Trilateral Cultural Content Industry Forum
- 14th Trilateral Cultural Ministers' Meeting Jeonju Declaration_JP
- Joint Statement of the 15th Trilateral Cultural Content Industry Forum
- 13th Trilateral Cultural Ministers' Meeting Qufu Declaration_JP
- Joint Statement of the 14th Trilateral Cultural Content Industry Forum
- 12th Trilateral Cultural Ministers' Meeting Kitakyushu Declaration_JP
- Joint Statement of the 13th Trilateral Cultural Content Industry Forum