Completion of Symbolic Monuments for UNESCO World Commemorative Figure Dasan Jeong Yak-yong
Namyangju Launches Full-Scale Promotion as a 'Dasan Jeong Yak-yong Brand Power City'
Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Gwangdeok) held an unveiling ceremony for the portrait and statue of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong at the Jeong Yak-yong historic site located in Joan-myeon on the 27th.
Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, delivers a congratulatory speech at the unveiling ceremony of the portrait and statue of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong held on the 27th at the Jeong Yak-yong historic site located in Joan-myeon. Provided by Namyangju City
The ceremony was attended by Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, along with Jeong Hoyoung, the eldest descendant of the Jeong family, his spouse, and about 20 members of the Naju Jeong Clan Association. Notable experts in related fields, including Park Seokmu, honorary director of the Dasan Research Institute, Kim Taehui, the institute’s director, and Kim Pilguk, director of the Silhak Museum, were also present. In addition, more than 500 people, including heads of affiliated organizations such as the city’s cultural center and cultural foundation, as well as local citizens, participated in the event.
The unveiling ceremony began with an opening declaration and proceeded in the following order: a progress report, a viewing of a video on the creation of the symbolic monuments, the unveiling of the portrait and statue, and a gala show from the musical "Jeong Yak-yong." After the unveiling, a traditional ritual to enshrine the portrait was held, adding symbolic significance to the event.
In the video documenting the creation process, actor Jung Haein, widely known as the sixth-generation descendant of Jeong Yak-yong, made a surprise appearance to deliver a message of congratulations and gratitude. Various side programs enjoyable for all ages were also held, receiving an enthusiastic response from citizens.
To strengthen the city brand and enhance civic pride, the city began producing symbolic monuments of Jeong Yak-yong in August of last year. This time, based on thorough historical research, the city unveiled a full-length portrait and statue.
The portrait, created by Kwon Heeyeon, dean of the College of Fine Arts at Sookmyung Women’s University, and Professor Han Myunguk, measures 1.4 meters wide by 2 meters tall. It was painted in color on silk and framed to enhance preservation. Professor Kwon devoted special effort to ensure that the character and life of Jeong Yak-yong, a pioneer of Silhak, would be naturally expressed in his face and expression.
The statue was jointly produced by artists Park Jihyun and Lee Gijun. Including the pedestal, it stands 2.5 meters tall and is made of bronze and granite. The statue depicts Jeong Yak-yong strolling through Yoyudang after his exile, with his right hand symbolizing communication with the present and the book in his left hand representing his lifelong dedication to scholarship. Artist Park incorporated expert consultations and 3D data analysis based on the physical measurements of descendants into the production process. In particular, authenticity was enhanced by referencing poems and letters by Lee Siheon, a disciple who had seen and described Jeong Yak-yong in person.
Mayor Joo Gwangdeok stated, "As this year marks the year of Eulsa and June is the birth month of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, I am deeply moved to newly enshrine the portrait and statue symbolizing the city of Jeong Yak-yong at this historic site." He added, "The city will further accelerate efforts to modernize and carry on Dasan’s spirit and to widely promote that Namyangju’s cultural identity is synonymous with 'Dasan Jeong Yak-yong.'"
Meanwhile, starting with this unveiling ceremony, the city plans to further establish its status as a 'Dasan Jeong Yak-yong Brand Power City' by consecutively hosting events such as the opening of the Dasan Jeong Yak-yong Garden (July), the rebranding of Dasan Station as a themed station (September), the Yoyudang Book Fair (September), and the Dasan Jeong Yak-yong Cultural Festival (October).
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