Kim Dongyeon Keeps His Promises to Daeseongdong Residents
Soundproof Windows, Medical Support, and Temporary Accommodation Provided
“Thank You for Not Forgetting Us During Difficult Times,” Say Residents
Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim held a tea meeting with residents of Daeseongdong Village at the Camp Greaves DMZ Experience Center in Paju on the 9th, and expressed his intention to continue provincial-level attention and support so that the village's daily life, which has regained its peace since the suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea, can be maintained.
Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim is shaking hands with residents of Daeseongdong Village at the Camp Greaves DMZ Experience Center in Paju on the 9th. Photo by Gyeonggi Province
This meeting marked Governor Kim's third official visit to Daeseongdong Village. He previously visited the site twice in October and December last year, and has personally overseen the installation of soundproofing facilities, medical support, and the provision of temporary accommodations to fulfill his promises to the residents.
Governor Kim said, "I am very pleased to see that everyone looks more lively and is smiling today compared to my first and second visits," and added, "At that time, I made three promises: installing soundproof windows, providing medical support, and arranging temporary accommodations. These have been carried out swiftly, and the seniors have shared many positive comments."
He continued, "I would like to say that all residents of Gyeonggi Province, as well as all citizens of the Republic of Korea, should continue to show interest in and stand by the residents of Daeseongdong Village. Also, not long ago, President Lee Jaemyung visited Daeseongdong Village himself shortly after taking office, which made the residents very happy and gave them great strength. Going forward, I will continue to pay close attention to safety, daily life, quality of life, and children's education."
The residents also expressed their gratitude.
Kim Donggu, the head of Daeseongdong Village, said, "Thank you very much for not forgetting us and coming here," and added, "Whenever the residents face difficulties or hardships, we will think of you even more."
One resident shared, "We were in so much pain and struggling, but no one recognized us, and we felt abandoned just because we lived in a border area. But when the governor came and asked how hard it had been for us and promised to repair our windows and doors, I couldn't help but cry. I told our governor not to worry, because we are here, and that gave me so much strength. I think that message echoed and even reached the President."
Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim is having a tea meeting with residents of Daeseongdong Village at the Camp Greaves DMZ Experience Center in Paju on the 9th. Provided by Gyeonggi Province
Governor Kim reiterated, "I hope peaceful daily life continues and that all residents are happy. I also hope that students can focus on their studies and play freely without other worries. Gyeonggi Province will not forget the residents of Daeseongdong and will always pay attention. If there is anything we can do to help, we will do our best."
Daeseongdong Village is located just 500 meters from the Military Demarcation Line, making it the northernmost border area, and has suffered significant damage from loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea and balloon-borne waste. In October last year, under Governor Kim's direction, Gyeonggi Province promised and faithfully implemented several response measures to address the damage from broadcasts toward the South, including the installation of soundproofing facilities, deployment of health checkup vehicles and psychological counseling buses, and provision of temporary accommodations.
The province completed the installation of soundproof windows and doors in 46 households in Daeseongdong Village, provided the Gyeonggi Future Education Paju Campus as temporary accommodation used by 357 people, created a resident lounge within Camp Greaves, and dispatched health checkup vehicles and Mind Relief Buses to provide psychological counseling and hearing tests, supporting medical services for 312 people.
Additionally, on October 16 last year, Gyeonggi Province designated Paju, Yeoncheon, and Gimpo as danger zones for North Korean leaflets, and has been conducting joint responses with the provincial special judicial police, city and county governments, and the military and police to prevent the scattering of such leaflets. On the 18th of last month, the province also announced that it would indefinitely continue intensive patrols and surveillance activities in these danger zones.
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