Yang Hyunsang, Sejong Office of Education's Public Relations Man, Recognized by the State for His Public Service Efforts

Awarded the Prime Minister's Commendation for Doing His Best, Not Just Being the Best
Kim Hyeduk, Director of Communication: "A Treasure Among Treasures"
Superintendent Choi Gyojin: "A True Hero in the Public Sector"

Yang Hyunsang, a public officer who recently received the Prime Minister's Commendation. He is known as the public relations man of the Sejong City Office of Education.

At 5:30 a.m., there is someone who opens the office door, turns on the lights, and starts up the computer.

This is Yang Hyunsang, the public relations officer in charge of publicity at the Office of Communication at the Sejong City Office of Education. His work begins every day at dawn, checking materials to be sent to local, regional, and national media outlets, as well as reviewing articles related to the Office of Education that have been reported.

He spends the entire day handling media-related tasks and dealing with reporters who cover the office. In the journalism community, he is commonly referred to as the "public relations man." He has been handling publicity duties in the Office of Communication for over two years. Compared to a journalist, this is a period that rivals that of a seasoned reporter who has completed their probationary period and acquired professional expertise.

Even though he has worked for more than two years, he has not been transferred to another department and continues to work in the Office of Communication, demonstrating considerable skill. His greatest strengths are his sociability and interpersonal skills. Because he has worked in various key departments within the Office of Education, he is able to answer reporters' questions without hesitation and provides explanations without any falsehoods. Reporters, in turn, trust and rely on him.

Kim Hyeduk, the director leading the Office of Communication, says, "Without Officer Yang, handling the reporters who cover our office would be so confusing that it would be hard to see a way forward," adding, "He is truly a treasure among treasures, always doing his best and putting his heart into his work."

Before becoming a public relations officer, Yang served as the chairman of the administrative workers' union, a key part of the labor movement. To protect the rights and interests of his fellow union members, he sometimes stood at the forefront of confrontations with management, establishing and upholding the union's sense of justice.

In particular, while carrying out publicity duties, he collapsed from overwork several times and had to be taken to the hospital. Recently, he was awarded a Prime Minister's Commendation. This is a recognition by the state of his efforts in the public sector.

Choi Gyojin, the superintendent of Sejong Office of Education, who attended the award ceremony on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, praised Yang's achievement, saying, "He is a true hero who quietly fulfills his duties and leads change on the frontlines of education." He added, "I hope this award serves not only as recognition of his efforts, but also as a source of pride for the educational community."