Embracing Sustainable Chungnam and Future Vision
Chungnam Province, which has drawn attention as "Himssen Chungnam" (Strong Chungnam), is now seeking to transform its image into "Hiphan Chungnam" (Hip Chungnam).
On the 13th, Chungnam Province unveiled a new provincial image advertisement video titled "Chungnam Hero." This advertisement features 2.2 million residents of the province transforming into everyday heroes, each changing the world from their own place.
By breaking away from the traditional and quiet image of Chungnam and showcasing its unexpected charm, the advertisement has sparked explosive reactions across various online communities.
◇ "Sustainable Chungnam" Delivered by Everyday Heroes
The first hero to appear in the advertisement, "CN-1," is a flying hero who symbolically represents an eco-friendly vision by flying through the sky and using carbon as an energy source.
In 2022, the province became the first in Korea to declare itself a "Special Carbon Neutral Economy Province." With 29 of the nation's 59 coal-fired power plants located in Chungnam, the goal is to transition to clean energy and transform the economic structure into an environmentally friendly one.
The second hero possesses the ability to become giant like a "Giant Man." As the hero grows larger and stronger, they become someone others look up to, symbolizing "Chungnam's future preparing for a bigger world." This is not just about superhuman powers, but reflects the greater goals and visions that Chungnam residents are building together.
The hero's presence also aligns with Chungnam's economic development vision, such as the "Bay Valley Mega City" initiative. Chungnam's strategy is to develop the Asan Bay area (including Cheonan, Asan, Seosan, Dangjin, Yesan in Chungnam and Pyeongtaek, Anseong, Hwaseong, Ansan, Siheung in Gyeonggi Province) into a global mega city leading the fourth industrial revolution in sectors such as semiconductors, displays, future mobility, and the hydrogen economy.
◇ All 2.2 Million Residents Are "Chungnam Heroes"
Another charm of the advertisement is that all 2.2 million residents are portrayed as heroes. While Chungnam residents may seem relaxed in peaceful times, they demonstrate remarkable strength in times of crisis, making them true heroes.
Historically, many heroes who were the first to step up in times of national crisis have come from Chungnam, and this DNA continues among the residents today, as the advertisement strongly emphasizes.
◇ Reflecting Chungnam's Policy Vision for the Future
The third hero to appear, who has the ability to foresee the future, symbolizes Chungnam's forward-looking policies. The province is pursuing agricultural innovation through the introduction of smart farms to support young farmers and pension systems for elderly farmers. Structural reforms are also underway to enhance the competitiveness of local agriculture.
In addition, Chungnam has proposed unique low birthrate policies, such as "taking responsibility for children until adulthood," as alternatives to address the national crisis of population decline, garnering nationwide attention. Chungnam's full care policies include a four-day workweek for public officials with children under two and the establishment of 24-hour dedicated childcare facilities in every city and county.
"Chungnam Hero" serves as a symbol of the sustainable future and economic development the province aspires to, demonstrating Chungnam's potential to lead innovation in Korea.
The province is preparing various events to maintain the enthusiastic response to Chungnam Hero. These include a "Hero Naming Event" where viewers can name the heroes in the advertisement, posting supportive comments, sending messages to their own heroes, and creating their own AI heroes. Additionally, real stories from Chungnam residents will be collected to produce a web documentary titled "Hidden Heroes of Chungnam."
A provincial official stated, "The hidden strength and spirit of sacrifice of our residents continue to this day," adding, "This advertisement will go beyond mere symbolism to deliver an important message of pride to all 2.2 million residents who do their best in their own ways, wherever they are."
The official continued, "The story of the Chungnam Hero, who has awakened and stretched again for Korea, has just begun," and said, "We look forward to the Korea that will be created together with the residents of Chungnam."
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