'9th National Disabled Love Song Festival' Grand Prize Winner: Imi-gyeong

Iksan City and Jeonbuk Province Disabled Information Culture Association Host
12 Teams Perform at Dongsan-dong Yucheon Ecological Wetland Park

The "9th National Disabled Love Song Festival" concluded its heated competition on the 7th, selecting the outstanding disabled singers. The grand prize was awarded to Imi-gyeong (47, female) from Yeosu, Jeollanam-do.

On this day, the song festival was held in collaboration with Iksan City, Jeollabuk-do and the Jeollabuk-do Disabled Information and Culture Association (Iksan Branch President Jeong Yeong-mun). It took place at the outdoor special stage in Dongsan-dong Kindergarten Ecological Wetland Park. The event was organized to foster mutual intimacy between disabled and non-disabled people and to expand the participation of disabled individuals in local events.

The 9th National Disabled Love Song Festival.
[Photo by Iksan City]

Before the festival, commendations from the mayor of Iksan were awarded to those who contributed to the promotion of welfare for the disabled. Following this, disabled singers from across the country competed fiercely for the prestigious grand prize. A total of 50 teams participated in the festival, with 12 teams advancing to the competition after intense preliminary rounds held in August.

The judging panel included composers Lee Jae-ryong (composer of the Iksan Station Clock Tower song) and Jeon Bok-hee (composer of "Our Parents"). The grand prize winner received a cash prize, a trophy, and a singer certification. Additionally, awards were given to other winners to encourage greater social participation and boost confidence among disabled individuals.

Jeong Yeong-mun, president of the Iksan branch, stated, "Disability is a difference, and prejudice is discrimination," adding, "I hope this song festival becomes a meaningful time for disabled and non-disabled people to communicate, understand, and mutually respect each other."

Jeong Heon-yul, mayor of Iksan, said, "A mature society is one where disabled people live proudly and happily as equal members of society," and added, "We will strive to make Iksan a city where everyone can enjoy culture and arts as main participants without barriers of disability."

Meanwhile, the Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province Disabled Information and Culture Association Iksan Branch is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and fostering community bonds through expanding disabled individuals' activities in the local community. In addition to the National Disabled Love Song Festival, they organize events such as the Mangyeonggang Riverside Silver Song Festival, Iksan-Gunsan Disabled Arts Exchange Events, and filial piety performances for the elderly.