The 12th Korea Regional Development Awards Ceremony to be Held on December 8 at 6 PM

Selected in 8 Categories Contributing to National and Regional Development

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-min] The 12th Korea Regional Development Awards ceremony, hosted by the Regional Development Policy Research Institute (President Park Dae-woo) and sponsored by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, will be held on the 8th at 6 p.m. in the multipurpose auditorium of Jeonil Building 245, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.

Now in its 12th year, the Korea Regional Development Awards selects winners in eight categories, recognizing individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions or achievements in various social fields such as policy, region, society, organizations, culture, media, sports, and volunteer work.

In the policy category, awardee Lim Hye-ja was recognized for her contributions to social conflict mediation and institutionalization of policies during her tenure as Senior Administrative Officer at the Blue House and as a member of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission. She was also acknowledged for her efforts in realizing proactive administration as the chairperson of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Proactive Administration Committee.

In the regional category, awardee Lee Byung-no faithfully served as a bridge between residents and administration throughout over 40 years of public service. He was recognized for his dedication to policy research for regional future development through the establishment of the Damyang New Vision Research Institute.

In the social category, awardee Kim In-jung served as a member of the Jindo County Council for the 6th, 7th, and 8th terms, achieving results in revising unreasonable ordinances and regulations. She was also acknowledged for contributing to the creation of a positive social atmosphere under the slogan “Happy Together.”

In the organization category, the awardee, Korea Drone Industry Promotion Association Honam Branch, received high praise for proposing development directions linked to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Urban Air Mobility roadmap and for establishing a foundation to support demonstration and commercialization.

In the culture category, awardee Seo Deok-ho began with an award at the 1992 New Art Exhibition and held exhibitions at the Ulaanbaatar National Museum of Art and the Central Museum of Art in Delhi, India. He also founded the Korea Wooden Dinosaur Conservation Association, dedicating efforts to restoring ecological resources on the Korean Peninsula through wood.

In the media category, awardee Lee Tae-jung was recognized for enhancing reporting efficiency by integrating video media to overcome poor conditions, and for suggesting alternatives through in-depth reporting, thereby guiding the direction of regional media.

In the volunteer category, awardee Lim Ji-yeon established a Safety-Net system to maintain continuous support for undernourished children in Jeonbuk Province through agreements between local governments and corporations.

President Park Dae-woo stated, “As the Korea Regional Development Awards reaches its twelfth event, it has produced results that confirm the various concerns of our society and the alternatives to them. All of this is thanks to the passion and dedication shown by the awardees.”

He added, “With this award as a stepping stone, we expect and support even greater roles and achievements in various fields of our society.”