Gwangju City Council Member Lee Myungno Receives "Blood Donation Merit Medal Gold"

"Blood Donation Is a Practical Example of What Saved Gwangju in May 1980"

Lee Myungno, a member of the Gwangju City Council, is taking a commemorative photo with attendees after receiving the "Merit Medal Gold" from the Korean Red Cross at the "5.18 Democratization Movement 45th Anniversary Blood Donation Campaign" event held in front of Gwangju City Hall on the 15th. Provided by Gwangju City Council

Lee Myungno, a member of the Gwangju City Council (Democratic Party of Korea, Seo-gu 3rd district), received the "Blood Donation Merit Medal Gold" at the "5.18 Democratization Movement 45th Anniversary Blood Donation Campaign" held in front of Gwangju City Hall on the 15th.

Lee has actively participated in the life-sharing movement by donating blood 50 times, and in recognition of these contributions, was awarded the Gold Medal by the Korean Red Cross. The Blood Donation Merit Medal Gold is an honorary award given to individuals who have donated blood more than 50 times.

Lee stated, "Although it may seem like a small act, I have consistently participated in blood donation with the belief that it can be a great hope that saves someone's life," and added, "While 50 donations may not seem like a large number for a frequent donor, I hope it can contribute, even in a small way, to the spread of a blood donation culture."

He continued, "If we have reflected on the spiritual meaning of 'saving lives' from the famous words of author Han Kang, who said that Gwangju in May 1980 saved today's Republic of Korea, then blood donation is a practical example that demonstrates this." He called for greater participation in blood donation.

Meanwhile, this blood donation campaign was organized in cooperation with Gwangju City, the City Council, the five district councils, and the Gwangju-Jeonnam Blood Center of the Korean Red Cross, and was carried out with voluntary participation from citizens. The event was planned to carry on the spirit of the 5.18 Democratization Movement and to promote a culture of life-sharing.