Uiryeong-gun, 'Top 10 News of Uiryeong-gun' ... Selected as No.1 for 4·26 Memorial Ceremony

Baeksan An Heeje Teacher Memorial Project and Jeonsuak Lady Memorial Monument

Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongnam, selected the historic first memorial service for the victims, held on April 26 to console the eternal grief of the 56 innocent residents who lost their lives in the Woo Soon-gyeong shooting incident 42 years ago, as the No. 1 news story in the 2024 Uiryeong-gun Top 10 News.

The ‘2024 Uiryeong-gun Top 10 News’ was chosen through a survey conducted by the Planning and Budget Officer staff, a core department responsible for major tasks such as establishing key military administration plans, budget allocation, audits, regulatory reforms, and media promotion in Uiryeong-gun.

Uiryeong April 26 Memorial Ceremony. Provided by Uiryeong County

Uiryeong-gun ranked first for the creation of the ‘426 Memorial Park’ and the holding of the ‘426 Memorial Service,’ which relieved the long-suppressed grief of the bereaved families who had been silent for 42 years.

At the time, the regime thoroughly covered up the incident through media control and exploited it for political gain, but Uiryeong-gun devoted itself with ‘sincere administration’ that empathized with the suppressed hearts of the bereaved families, who had never been able to hold a memorial event anywhere.

The ‘Uiryeong 4·26 Memorial Park’ was decisively initiated when County Governor Oh Tae-wan requested national funding from the Prime Minister in 2021, and the first memorial service was held this year on April 26 in front of the completed memorial tower.

Baeksan Nara Sarang Neoreun Madang. Provided by Uiryeong-gun

The full-scale commemoration project for Baeksan Ahn Hee-je and the completion of the memorial monument for Jeon Su-ak were ranked second and third, respectively.

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of Ahn Hee-je’s passing, Uiryeong-gun promoted various projects, including the documentary film and webtoon production titled ‘From Uiryeong to Balhae,’ as well as the construction of the large-scale ‘Baeksan Nara Sarang Neoreunmadang,’ equipped with exhibition, experience, and lodging facilities.

The completion of the memorial monument honoring the noble sacrifice of the late Jeon Su-ak, who died saving a child from drowning, after 47 years was widely highlighted by the media and deeply moved the public.

The late Jeon Su-ak's eldest son, Yeo Sang-ho, and his wife, Lee Hye-jung. Provided by Uiryeong County

Ranked fourth was the successful hosting of the 3rd Rich Rich Festival, a good ‘Rich Energy’ festival spreading luck, health, and love from the Uiryeong-gun wealthy family sacred site, which attracted a record-breaking 240,000 visitors over four days?about 10 times the population of Uiryeong-gun. It is recognized as a unique tourism content that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the country.

The establishment of Uiryeong-gun’s first overseas permanent store for agricultural and specialty products in Los Angeles, USA, confirmed for next year, was ranked fifth. During his business trip to the US in September to explore overseas markets, Governor Oh Tae-wan achieved a historic record by signing an export MOU worth 1.5 million dollars, 2.5 times the usual amount.

Ranked sixth was the ‘nation’s first’ Uiryeong-type welfare policy series implemented this year. Uiryeong-gun announced the start of the ‘Uiryeong-type Multi-child Family Strength Allowance,’ which provides 100,000 won per child to families with three or more children, and the ‘Longevity Celebration Fund’ policy, which lowered the age eligibility to 95 years.

Seventh was the result from the ‘2023 Gyeongnam Province Social Survey’ announced earlier this year, showing that Uiryeong residents have the highest pride and sense of belonging as local residents, as well as the highest satisfaction and happiness with life in Gyeongnam.

Other news included the confirmation of the ‘Youth Hostel Construction,’ the opening of the ‘Jagulsan Forest Sky Playground,’ and the publication of the military administration newsletter <Buja 1beonji Uiryeong>.

Governor Oh Tae-wan said, “The selection of this Top 10 News was a meaningful opportunity to look back on the precious achievements made throughout the year. It was a great honor and happiness to share the joys and sorrows of life through meetings with the residents over the year. I will work even harder next year.”