Gochang-gun Selects 5 Recipients for 'Citizen's Award'

On the 14th, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk, finalized the recipients of the "36th Gochang Citizen's Award," which is awarded in the name of the citizens to those who have shown exceptional patriotism and dedication to the local residents. The photo shows, from left to right, Kim Ok-jin, Lee Kang-su, Oh Geum-yeol, Jeong Gwan-hoon, and Lee Chun-ae.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] On the 16th, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk announced that it had finalized the recipients of the ‘36th Gochang Citizen’s Award,’ which is awarded in the name of the citizens to those who have shown exceptional patriotism and dedication to local residents, on the 14th.

On that day, the judging committee confirmed the recipients in a total of five categories: Kim Okjin (67, female) for the Culture and Sports Award, Lee Gangsu (70) for the Public Service Award, Oh Geumyeol (66) for the Industry and Labor Award, Jeong Gwanhun (73) for the Patriotism Award, and Lee Chunae (71, female) for the Filial Piety Award.

Since its establishment in 1985, the Citizen’s Award has honored a total of 152 distinguished recipients over 35 ceremonies up to last year.

Kim Okjin, selected for the Culture and Sports Award, currently serves as a director of the Arts Federation and the Gochang Cultural Center. With exceptional passion and patriotism, she has led the popularization of Korean traditional music (gugak) and elevated the status of Gochang, the home of pansori, through numerous performances both domestically and internationally. She has devoted most of her performances to talent donation for underprivileged groups and nurturing future generations, becoming a model true artist.

Lee Gangsu, selected for the Public Service Award, served as the mayor of Gochang-gun from 2002 to 2014. During his tenure, Gochang-gun achieved the significant milestone of becoming the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Korea, and he completed the leasing of the Heungdeok Industrial Complex, contributing to attracting businesses and creating jobs.

Oh Geumyeol, recipient of the Industry and Labor Award, began his livestock business in 1985 with five calves. He has served as the president of the Gochang Dairy Association and currently leads the Gochang Clean Organic Agricultural Cooperative Corporation, consistently engaging in donations and volunteer work for the local community. His production of organic milk without pesticides or chemical fertilizers helped establish Gochang-gun as a hub for eco-friendly organic milk production.

Jeong Gwanhun, selected for the Patriotism Award, was born in Daesan-myeon and spent his childhood and youth there. He served as a Saemaul leader and village chief, significantly contributing to promoting the reputation of Gochang watermelons. Even after moving away, he has been recognized for his patriotism activities as the president of the Seoul Daesan-myeon Residents Association, leading efforts such as helping neighbors in need, purchasing Gochang watermelons, and supporting modernization of senior centers.

Lee Chunae, recipient of the Filial Piety Award, cared for two generations of her paternal and maternal in-laws with utmost devotion, becoming a role model in the local community. Raising two sons and one daughter, she has practiced filial piety for over 50 years, enabling her mother-in-law to live beyond 100 years of age. Despite managing her livelihood, she quietly practices neighborly love through sharing, becoming an exemplar for local residents.

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