Gokseong County Selects Five Recipients for the "2025 County Citizen's Award"

Four Categories: Culture, Regional Development, Social Welfare, and Agriculture
Kim Kihoon, Lim Jongkwon, Ryu Geunchun, Ahn Taesung, and Cho Shinik
Award Ceremony to Be Held on May 2 at the Culture and Sports Center Stadium

(Photo from left) Awardees Kihoon Kim, Jongkwon Lim, Geunchun Ryu, Taesung Ahn, and Shinik Cho. Provided by Gokseong County

Gokseong County in South Jeolla Province (Governor: Cho Sangrae) announced on the 18th that it held a selection committee meeting on the second floor of the county office's Communication Maru on the 17th to choose the recipients of the "2025 Gokseong County Citizen's Award," and finalized five awardees in four categories: education·culture and sports, regional development·economy, social welfare·filial piety, and agriculture·environment.

The awardees are as follows: ▲Education·Culture and Sports: Kihoon Kim (Okgwa-myeon) ▲Regional Development·Economy: Jongkwon Lim (Godal-myeon) ▲Social Welfare·Filial Piety: Geunchun Ryu (Jukgok-myeon), Taesung Ahn (Ogok-myeon) ▲Agriculture·Environment: Shinik Cho (Moksadong-myeon), for a total of five recipients.

The "Gokseong County Citizen's Award" is the highest honor in Gokseong County, established in 1984, and has recognized a total of 115 recipients to date. The award discovers and honors individuals and organizations who have contributed to the development of the local community and the welfare of its citizens, with recipients selected each year through a rigorous screening process. Last month, the county accepted nominations from April 4 to 28, with one to two candidates recommended in each of the five categories, and the winners were determined by a committee vote.

Kihoon Kim, an awardee and vocalist, has promoted Gokseong's history and culture both domestically and internationally, enhancing the region's image. He has actively participated in local performances such as the Rose Festival and the Nonghyup solo concert, and has energized the community culturally by giving career lectures to local youth.

Jongkwon Lim successfully served as a bridge between the public and private sectors to attract a pumped-storage power plant, and has contributed to his hometown's development by donating 11 million won for flood recovery efforts in Godal-myeon.

Geunchun Ryu has continued to contribute to the community by supporting the 100th anniversary event of the Dangun Shrine and donating scholarships. He also donated 100 million won to join the "Honor Society," demonstrating ongoing philanthropic activities.

Since 2015, Taesung Ahn has donated 10 million won annually in scholarships and supported the operation of a youth orchestra. He has spread a culture of warm sharing in the region through various social welfare activities, including a 100 million won donation to address welfare blind spots.

Shinik Cho has enhanced the competitiveness of the livestock industry by winning first place nationwide in the Hanwoo Breeding Bull Selection Contest and receiving the "New Farmer of the Month" award. He also serves as a role model in the farming community through various volunteer activities and knowledge sharing.

Meanwhile, the Gokseong County Citizen's Award ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. on May 2 at the Gokseong County Culture and Sports Center stadium, as part of the "45th Gokseong County Citizen's Day" celebration, which will also feature entrance ceremonies for the 11 towns and townships.