Gwangju Hosts Communication Event for North Korean Defectors and Sponsors

Sports Day and Talent Show Bring Laughter and Joy

Gwangju City successfully held the 2nd "Day of North Korean Defectors" commemorative event on the 12th at the gymnasium of Wolgok Middle School in Gwangsan District, with about 200 participants including North Korean defectors and their families. Photo by Gwangju City

Gwangju City announced on the 13th that the 2nd "Day of North Korean Defectors" commemorative event was successfully held on the 12th at the gymnasium of Wolgok Middle School in Gwangsan District.

The event, held under the slogan "Unification Arrived First, Peace Created Together," was organized by the Gwangju Regional Council of the National Unification Advisory Council. It was designed to provide North Korean defectors with an opportunity to meet, share memories of their hometowns, and communicate with citizens and sponsors who have supported their settlement in the local community.

About 200 people participated in the event, including North Korean defectors and their families, Kang Hyungu, Vice Chairman of the Gwangju Regional Council of the National Unification Advisory Council, advisory council members, and Hwang Seongho, Director of Gwangju Hana Center.

The event began with a commemorative ceremony, followed by the awarding of commendations to those who have contributed to supporting the settlement of North Korean defectors, and a harmony sports competition. During the sports competition, participants were divided into the Blue Team and the Red Team and competed enthusiastically, and a variety of programs, including talent shows, were also held.

Joo Sanghyeon, Head of the Foreign Resident Division, said, "It is meaningful that North Korean defectors, their families, and sponsors could come together," adding, "We will continue to provide interest and support to help them settle stably in the local community."