Naju-si's 'COVID-19 Support Video' Draws Attention in Taizhou, China

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Naju City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Kang In-gyu) announced on the 5th that it sent a support video wishing for the overcoming of COVID-19 to Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China.

The city's support video was a response to the support video previously sent from Taizhou City, China, in June, conveying hopes and regards that exchanges between the two cities will resume soon through overcoming COVID-19.

The video, about 4 minutes long, featured Mayor Kang In-gyu, city hall officials, students, and citizens from various sectors delivering the cheering message "Taizhou City, stay strong," expressed as "Taizhou-si jjayo."

In particular, the appearance of a brother and sister who visited Taizhou City last winter through a language study program added a gentle emotional touch.

The siblings said, "We stayed at Taizhou University of Science and Technology for two weeks, experienced traditional tea culture, and toured museums, gaining valuable experiences," adding, "We will never forget the kindness shown to us to help us settle well in Taizhou City and are truly grateful."

The relay of support videos between the two cities originated from the exchange of masks to prevent COVID-19.

Before the full-scale spread of COVID-19 in Korea, in February, the city urgently provided 10,000 protective masks to Taizhou City, China.

Subsequently, in May, Taizhou City sent a letter of appreciation containing the phrase "풍우동주 수망상조" (風雨同舟 守望相助, meaning "Protecting and cooperating with each other to endure storms and cross the river together") along with 30,000 masks to the city, and in June, conveyed emotions through a support video from Taizhou citizens.

Mayor Kang In-gyu said, "The exchange of masks amid the unprecedented situation of COVID-19 has strengthened the friendship between the two cities," adding, "Trust, solidarity, and cooperation with each other are the strongest forces to overcome the crisis."

The video will be posted on the websites of Naju City and Taizhou City, as well as on YouTube channels and Facebook.

Meanwhile, Taizhou City, China, based on the connection with Choi Bu (崔溥, 1454?1504), a native of Naju and author of the "Pyohaerok" (漂海錄), signed a friendship exchange agreement with the city in 2017.

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