Proud Gwangyang Citizen Award Presented to Novelist An Young

Enhancing the City's Honor through Writing 18 Works Set in Gwangyang and Various Talent Donations

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Gwangyang City announced that novelist An Young (female, 79 years old) has been selected as the recipient of the Proud Gwangyang Citizen Award, which honors those who have contributed to the development of the local community and brought honor to the city.

Novelist An Young debuted in 1965 in Korea's top pure literary magazine, Hyundai Munhak, and has written 18 works. She is a literary figure from Gwangyang recognized for her outstanding literary quality, having received the three major literary awards (Korean Literature Award, PEN Literature Award, Monthly Literature Award).

She has promoted the region by writing warm stories set in Gwangyang and has greatly contributed to the local community through various talent donations and acts of sharing.

The Proud Gwangyang Citizen Award is given for the first time this year to distinguished individuals who have demonstrated exceptional abilities, contributed to national and social development, and serve as role models for citizens.

The nomination fields include culture, tourism, sports, education, science, industry, economy, social welfare and environment, public welfare, and other areas.

The Proud Gwangyang Citizen Award and the Citizen’s Award are selected through a rigorous review by a judging committee composed of 20 members, including city council members, representatives of civic groups, and public officials. No recipient was selected for the Citizen’s Award this year, as was the case last year.

Lee Ki-seop, Director of the Culture and Arts Division, said, “It is regrettable that no recipient was selected for the Citizen’s Award again this year,” adding, “I hope that many recipients of the Proud Gwangyang Citizen Award and the Citizen’s Award will emerge to inspire patriotism and encourage participation in city administration.”

To date, a total of 15 people have received the Citizen’s Award: 2 in education and culture, 4 in sports promotion, 5 in social welfare, 1 each in regional development and cultural promotion, and 2 in industry and economy.

Meanwhile, the awards ceremony is usually held at the annual Citizen’s Day commemorative event, but this year’s event was canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The awards will be presented at the regular assembly on the 5th of next month.

The 26th Citizen’s Day outdoor event, originally scheduled for this year to promote unity and development among all citizens, has been postponed to next year due to COVID-19. In the second half of next year, major events such as the Citizen’s Day outdoor event, K-POP performances, and a university Gugak (traditional Korean music) festival are planned.

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