Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok: "Sorokdo Angels Marianne and Margaret Must Be Remembered Forever"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, stated on the 12th, “Although the angels of Sorokdo, Marianne and Margret, did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize, the dedication and spirit of service of these two nurses must be eternally honored.”

This year, marking the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth, the province has been striving for the Nobel Peace Prize award for the two angels of Sorokdo, Marianne and Margret.

So far, a nationwide Nobel Peace Prize recommendation committee has been formed, conducting a “one million signature campaign,” producing documentary films, meeting with Pope Francis, and holding talks with the former President of Austria, among various activities to publicize the dedication of the two nurses.

Additionally, in collaboration with Goheung County, the Marianne and Margret Association, and the Korean Nurses Association, the province has promoted projects including the designation of their residence as a registered cultural heritage, issuance of commemorative stamps, public broadcasting, operation of a sharing training center, and domestic and international promotional activities.

Marianne and Margret, nurses from Austria, helped rehabilitate Hansen’s disease patients in Goheung Sorokdo for over 40 years from the early 1960s to 2005. They contributed to building related medical facilities and introducing orphanages and childcare centers.

Marianne, currently recuperating in Austria, said, “There was nothing special about what I usually did; I just lived together according to faith,” and added, “I have not been greatly concerned about whether or not I receive the Nobel Peace Prize.”

Governor Kim said, “I have thought that awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to the two nurses could be an opportunity to express some gratitude for their hard work given to us,” and added, “However, not receiving the award does not diminish the value of their noble humanity and spirit of sacrifice, so we will continue to honor their dedication in the future.”

He continued, “I sincerely thank Goheung County, the Korean Nurses Association, the Marianne and Margret Association, and the citizens who participated in the signature campaign for their tireless efforts in promoting the Nobel Peace Prize award.”

Meanwhile, this year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the World Food Programme (WFP) under the United Nations. Since 1963, the WFP has been working toward the goal of “Zero Hunger,” becoming the 25th organization to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

South Korea received support amounting to 104 million dollars from 1964 to 1984.

This year’s Nobel Peace Prize was fiercely contested until the end by a total of 318 nominees (211 individuals and 107 organizations), marking the fourth highest number in history, and was announced on the 9th.

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