Introduced for the first time this year, the Korean Youth Competition reflects SIKIFF's commitment not only to exploring the world of children but also to embracing the voices of adolescents while discovering the filmmakers of tomorrow. As video platforms have multiplied and filmmaking technologies have become increasingly accessible, more young people are expressing themselves through cinema than ever before. The ten short films selected for this inaugural edition demonstrate an impressive range of subjects and remarkable artistic maturity, spanning both live-action and animation. This year's lineup includes films deeply rooted in local communities, works driven by imaginative storytelling that moves effortlessly between fantasy and historical drama, and highly accomplished animated films. Together, they showcase the remarkable diversity and creativity of today's young filmmakers. Several selections also offer insightful reflections on the social realities confronting Korean teenagers today through intimate portrayals of adolescence and its emotional complexities. We hope these films will provide young audiences with moments of empathy, comfort, and encouragement, while allowing them to discover a sense of connection through stories created by filmmakers of their own generation.​