Jung-gu Mayor Kim Gil-seong Expresses Gratitude to Elder Lee Jong-im, Guardian of the Chungmugong Birthplace Monument, on the 26th
Kim Gil-seong, Mayor of Jung-gu (left), met with elder Lee Jong-im at the birthplace of Admiral Yi Sun-sin on the 26th to express his gratitude.
Kim Gil-seong, Mayor of Jung-gu, visited Lee Jong-im (88), an elder who has been managing the memorial stone at the birthplace of Admiral Yi Sun-sin for over 40 years, on April 26, ahead of the birthday of Admiral Yi Sun-sin on April 28.
Lee Jong-im operates a street stall in front of Myeongbo Theater. Since the memorial stone for Admiral Yi Sun-sin was installed near the stall in October 1985, she has been cleaning the stone every morning.
When asked why she started cleaning the stone, she replied, "Because of pigeon droppings." She said, "I couldn't stand to see Admiral Yi Sun-sin's memorial stone dirtied by pigeon droppings, so I started cleaning it, and time has flown by like this. I will keep cleaning that stone every day until I die."
Lee Jong-im's devotion did not stop there. Every year on Admiral Yi Sun-sin's birthday, she holds a memorial ritual at 9 a.m., offering alcohol and fruit to honor him.
Mayor Kim Gil-seong said, "Every time the elder cleans the memorial stone until it shines, Admiral Yi Sun-sin's noble patriotism seems to shine even brighter," and added, "I deeply appreciate the heartfelt dedication over such a long time."
Admiral Yi Sun-sin was born on April 28, 1545, in Geoncheon-dong, Hanseongbu, which is now Inhyeon-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. The place name Chungmuro originates from Admiral Yi Sun-sin's posthumous title. Chungmugong is an honorific title given to those who have served the country with military merit and were posthumously awarded the title Chungmu (忠武). King Injo, the 16th king of the Joseon Dynasty, bestowed the title Chungmugong on Admiral Yi Sun-sin, honoring his loyalty and bravery.
Mayor Kim Gil-seong stated, "Admiral Yi Sun-sin achieved victory by saying 'Be calm and heavy like a mountain' even in moments of crisis during war, but he was always warm when dealing with his soldiers," and added, "I will lead Jung-gu with the leadership of Yi Sun-sin."
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