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Moon Yunsik is a national merit recipient who participated in the Vietnam War. After recovering from a sudden cerebral hemorrhage 23 years ago, he made a vow to help his neighbors and began volunteering. Although he has difficulty walking due to aftereffects of the cerebral hemorrhage and uses an electric wheelchair, he has been donating for 11 years using money earned from selling recycled paper.

Mr. Moon Yunsik (right) and Mr. Noh Daegyun. (Photo by KT Hope Sharing Foundation)

The KT Group Hope Sharing Foundation announced on the 20th that, in celebration of the Month of Patriots and Veterans, Moon and No Daegyun were jointly selected as the third recipients of the 'Hope Sharing Award' this year. The Hope Sharing Award was established by the KT Group Hope Sharing Foundation in 2021 to encourage the activities of individuals (or organizations) who have contributed to creating beautiful social values through sharing and to spread the value of sharing. Both awardees share the commonality of being ‘soldiers’ and ‘veterans’ who have protected the nation.

Moon’s life can be described as entirely dedicated to donations. From morning until evening, he replaces license plates for civil petitioners at the Incheon Gyeyang District Office, and after work, he collects recycled paper in his neighborhood until dawn. Although his daily earnings are about 50,000 won, Moon saves this money to help those in greater need. Moon said, “There are many times when I have meals with just banquet noodles or kimbap, but whenever I think about helping neighbors in need, I cannot waste money on alcohol or cigarettes.” As Moon’s good deeds became known, local shops have also started collecting recycled paper on their own to support him.

The co-recipient, No Daegyun, is currently serving as a professional soldier in the 2nd Armored Brigade, Seorak Battalion of the Army. He began volunteering for veterans while serving as the team leader for the excavation of Korean War fallen soldiers’ remains for eight years. In addition to improving the living environments of veterans living alone, he has formed one-on-one sisterhood bonds to provide warm companionship. No also donates his talents to basic livelihood security recipients, the elderly, and child-headed households, and volunteers by providing meals and carrying briquettes for vulnerable groups with difficult family circumstances. He also routinely practices small acts of kindness personally, such as rescuing hikers who lost consciousness during service and supporting the families of unit members with supplies.

The KT Group Hope Sharing Foundation plans to award the Hope Sharing Award this year to various neighbors around us who have practiced sharing regardless of region, age, or field of activity. Candidates for the Hope Sharing Award are recommended year-round through the website along with their good deeds and stories.

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