Chulgyu Lee, Manager at Damyang-gun Agricultural Technology Center, Awarded the Geunjeong Medal

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Choi Hyung-sik) announced on the 19th that it held a government meritorious award ceremony for the recipients of the '6th Republic of Korea Civil Servant Award' at the county office on the 18th.

The Republic of Korea Civil Servant Award, hosted by the Ministry of Personnel Management, is the most prestigious award that field civil servants aspire to receive. It is a government award system established to foster a capability- and performance-centered public service culture by honoring civil servants who have made outstanding contributions through dedication to the people and proactive work performance.

On this day, Agricultural Technology Center Director Lee Cheol-gyu, selected as the recipient of the Geunjeong Medal, developed new strawberry varieties such as 'Jukhyang', 'Damhyang', and 'Mary Queen' for the first time in a local government, nurturing Damyang strawberries into world-class strawberries.

He was also recognized for his contributions to increasing farmers' income and enhancing the international status of domestic strawberries by reducing royalty payments (approximately 3.7 billion KRW in 2018) and securing seed sovereignty.

Director Lee acquired plant intellectual property rights to protect variety rights through domestic and international variety registrations (6 cases) and patent applications (3 cases) by developing new strawberry varieties independently within the county.

He has also taken the lead in regional agricultural development by pioneering overseas markets and overcoming royalty issues.

Governor Choi Hyung-sik said, "I sincerely congratulate the honorable award for contributing to agricultural development," and added, "We will create a public service atmosphere where civil servants who work actively are properly rewarded."

Meanwhile, 80 recipients of the Republic of Korea Civil Servant Award were selected, including 7 medal recipients, 10 recipients of the Geunjeong Medal, 31 recipients of the Presidential Citation, and 32 recipients of the Prime Minister's Citation. Awardees are provided with practical personnel benefits such as special promotions and performance bonuses.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.