Celebratory Performance Held at Bitgoeul Citizens' Cultural Center on the 29th
Over 500 Attendees Including Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung
The site of the 30th anniversary ceremony and celebration performance of the Daedong Cultural Foundation held on the 29th. Provided by Daedong Cultural Foundation
The 30th anniversary ceremony and celebration performance of the Daedong Cultural Foundation was grandly concluded on the 29th.
The ceremony, held at the Grand Theater of the Bitgoeul Citizens' Cultural Center, drew a crowd of approximately 500 people, including Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, National Assembly member Ahn Dogeol, Gwangju Buk-gu District Chief Moon In, Gwangju Nam-gu District Chief Kim Byeongnae, former National Assembly member Lee Byeonghun, as well as celebrities such as Jang Saik, Kim Hyangsun, Kim Sanok, and Kim Woong. Also in attendance were former chairpersons Heo Jeong, Park Seunghyun, and Kim Gisoo, current board members, representatives from national heritage preservation organizations, general members, and staff, making the event a great success.
The first part of the ceremony began with an opening declaration by Jang Soyeol, CEO of the Daedong Cultural Foundation, addressing the guests who filled both the first and second floors of the Bitgoeul Citizens' Cultural Center.
Hosted by Jang Hara, the ceremony proceeded with the introduction of distinguished guests, a promotional video, a welcoming speech, congratulatory remarks, and the presentation of achievement awards. In particular, the highlight of the ceremony was a reflective conversation by CEO Jang Soyeol, who shared his thoughts on the foundation's history in a Q&A session with Lee Jian, CEO of Itta Communication. This segment captivated the audience and vividly encapsulated the 30-year journey of the Daedong Cultural Foundation.
In his remarks, CEO Jang stated, "In May 1995, I was 38 years old. Together with about 20 young people, we founded the Daedong Cultural Research Society out of a passion for our heritage. That has become today's Daedong Culture. I am deeply grateful to the nationalist painter Oh Jiho, cultural heritage specialist Kim Heetae, Professor Yoo Hongjun, and the comrades who stood with me in May 1980, who provided the spiritual foundation for my lifelong dedication to preserving traditional culture. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to all past and current board chairpersons, including current Chairman Kim Seonghu, board members, citizen supporters, the 30th anniversary event preparation committee, and all Daedong staff, who have shared and supported these values both materially and spiritually."
Jangsoyeol, CEO of Daedong Cultural Foundation, and Lee Jian, COO of Daedong Cultural Foundation, are seen having a conversation sharing their reflections at the foundation's 30th anniversary event held on the 29th. Provided by Daedong Cultural Foundation
Gwangju Metropolitan City Mayor Kang Gijung, in his congratulatory remarks, said, "I extend my respect and gratitude to CEO Jang Soyeol, Chairman Kim Seonghu, all past and present board chairpersons and members, and the more than 2,000 members who have walked this 30-year journey together. Gwangju is a city of traditional artistic heritage. It has long been home to countless artists and, through the 5·18 Democratization Movement and the Gwangju Biennale, has inspired people around the world. The history of the Daedong Cultural Foundation is the clearest testament to this. As we look back on the 30 years we have walked together, I look forward to the new vision the foundation will pursue for the future."
An achievement award ceremony was also held that day. The awards were presented to individuals who have devoted themselves to the Daedong Cultural Foundation over the past 30 years. Special achievement awards were given to former National Assembly member Lee Byeonghun, cultural heritage specialist Kim Heetae, Kim Beomhwan, head of a local media company, and Kim Yuntae, branch manager at Hyundai Motor Company. Achievement awards for founding members were presented to Ra Gyuchae, Lee Haejun, Park Jongseok, Park Jongdeok, and Jeong Yucheol. For outstanding staff, awards were given to Choi Oksu, chief photographer, and Baek Seunghyun, senior advisor.
The second part of the event, themed "Resonance," featured a vibrant and concise series of performances, beginning with the Dodum Dance Company, followed by MBN Chosun Panstar's first winner, gugak artist Kim Sanok, Lim Changsook, Sohyang, Kim Hyangsun, Bigman Singers, and Jang Saik.
In particular, during the final performance, Jang Saik's rendition of "Arirang" brought all the performers, CEO Jang Soyeol, and Chairman Kim Seonghu onto the stage, where they danced together, filling the stage with energy.
Meanwhile, the Daedong Cultural Foundation is a "traditional culture preservation organization" dedicated solely to the succession and development of traditional culture. Its beginnings were in cultural heritage field trips. Led by founder Jang Soyeol, about 30 young people from the Jeolla-do region came together with the aim of "fostering a correct understanding of our heritage and contributing to the succession and development of traditional culture."
The Daedong Cultural Foundation operates citizen engagement programs and projects that create jobs through culture. It publishes the bimonthly cultural magazine "Daedong Culture," operates the "Daedong Traditional Culture Grand Prize," and runs various cultural projects, design and publishing businesses, cultural field trips, and humanities lectures. It also manages citizen engagement programs through the Gwangju Cultural Heritage Care Center, Chungjang 22 Complex Cultural Center, Nam-gu Sajikgol Cultural Center, and Nam-gu Hyocheon Cultural Center.
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