The "1st General Hong National Poetry Recitation Contest" was held to great acclaim at the Uiryeong County Citizens' Cultural Center in Uiryeong County, Gyeongsangnam-do, a sacred site of the righteous army.
This contest was organized to commemorate General Gwak Jaewoo, known as Mangudang, who, along with 17 officers, raised a righteous army to fight against Japanese invaders and achieved victory, as well as to honor the noble sacrifices of the patriotic spirits and to contribute to the development of a poetry recitation culture that fosters love for the nation. The event was hosted by the Righteous Army Memorial Association and co-organized by Uiryeong News and the Uiryeong Poetry Recitation Literary Society.
Winners of the "1st General Hong National Poetry Recitation Contest" are taking a group commemorative photo.
The competition, held on the 19th, was attended by more than 200 people, including Joo Soeun, chairperson of the contest organizing committee; Park Sangbeom, president of the Uiryeong Poetry Recitation Literary Society; Oh Taewan, mayor of Uiryeong County, Gyeongsangnam-do; Kim Gyuchan, chairman of the Uiryeong County Council; Kwon Wonman, member of the Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Assembly and county council members; heads of institutions and social organizations; and poetry recitation officials.
Additionally, congratulatory messages and banners were sent by Park Wansu, governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, as well as National Assembly members Kang Minkook, Park Daechul, Park Sangwoong, and Shin Seongbeom.
In her opening remarks, Joo Soeun, chairperson of the contest organizing committee, stated, "This contest, held at the sacred site of the righteous army to promote the spirit of national defense, will resonate deeply, reminding us of our history and awakening the true meaning of patriotism and love for our country, beyond the art of spoken word." She added, "Recalling the famous saying of Mangudang Gwak Jaewoo, General Hong, that 'Knowledge is like a sword; it is the most powerful weapon when used correctly,' I hope this poetry recitation, fragrant like lilac blossoms, becomes a beautiful time of inspiration and resonance for everyone."
In his congratulatory address, Mayor Oh Taewan said, "Poetry inspires us, touches the hearts of others, brings vitality, and is like a welcome rain in our dry lives. I hope this contest, held in Uiryeong County, the home of the patriotic righteous army, provides a precious opportunity for all participating poetry reciters to express their good inspiration and heartfelt emotions."
This contest attracted many poetry reciters from across the country. After the first preliminary round on the 13th, 50 finalists advanced to the finals and competed passionately.
On this day, the grand prize was awarded to Lim Yeonok, who recited "The Rose of Sharon Has Bloomed" by poet Pyo Cheongil, while the gold prize went to Choi Kyuhyun, who read "The Cow Going to Seoul" by poet Lee Kwangsoo.
The silver prize was awarded to Kim Mii, Lee Mihui, and Jeong Byeongsaeng; the bronze prize went to Kang Jongrae, Kim Dongil, Kim Jeongok, Park Jeongrae, and Oh Myeonghui; and the encouragement prize was given to Kwon Dohyun, Kim Yonggyeom, Park Damsun, Park Hyeongseok, Yoon Seonggi, Jang Siwan, Jeon Wookyung, and Choi Minseo.
Meanwhile, before and after the main event, there were performances including a moving daegeum (bamboo flute) performance by teacher Cheongsan Park Haegwan, followed by a profound stage by the saxophone ensemble of the group "Largo."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
