Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop Meets Korean Descendant from Ukraine, Says "Will Do Everything Possible"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, met with ethnic Koreans from Ukraine and stated, "Gwangju will do everything it can."

According to Gwangju City on the 2nd, Mayor Lee held a meeting with ethnic Korean residents at the Media Center in the Goryeoin Village, Wolgok-dong, Gwangsan-gu, in the afternoon regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, offering consolation and listening to their difficulties.

About 50 people, including Mayor Lee, Kim Sam-ho, head of Gwangsan-gu, Pastor Lee Cheon-young, Shin Jo-ya, representative of Goryeoin Village, and ethnic Koreans from Ukraine, participated together.

Mayor Lee said, "Gwangju, a city of democracy, human rights, and peace, strongly condemns Russia's military invasion of Ukraine and opposes war that takes people's lives under any circumstances," adding, "We hope for a peaceful resolution as soon as possible and will do our best to find the role Gwangju can play."

Mr. Lee Andrei, who attended the meeting, said, "Ukraine currently has no money, no food, and the weather is very cold. It would be good if we could send medicines and daily necessities," and requested help, saying, "Many countries and people want to help, but there are difficulties in transportation and delivery."

Ms. Choi Anastasia said, "There are things like baby formula and diapers that cannot be bought even with money. Many medicines are also needed."

In response, Mayor Lee said, "Even if we prepare cash and daily necessities, there is no plane to carry them, and even if they arrive locally, there are many practical constraints on how to distribute them," adding, "Our city will contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Korean Red Cross, and others."

He continued, "You are not alone. We consider you citizens of Gwangju whom we must take good care of," emphasizing, "We offer deep condolences for your pain and suffering and will do our best to support you together with Gwangsan-gu."

He added, "However, since this is a time of war, many things happening in Ukraine cannot be resolved by the power of Gwangju or South Korea alone," and said, "Nevertheless, we will make every effort with the central government, so please continue to communicate with your families there by phone and overcome difficulties well."

Currently, about 260 ethnic Koreans from Ukraine reside in Gwangju, with a significant number living in Gwangsan-gu.

Meanwhile, the incorporated association Goryeoin Village, supported by Gwangju City, is conducting fundraising activities through GBS Goryeo Broadcasting (Radio FM93.5MHz) to support urgently needed medicines and blankets in Ukraine.

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