Yecheon Residents United in Daegu: "With Hometown Affection, As One"

The 19th Annual Jae Daegu Yecheon County Residents' Family Sports Festival Draws a Crowd
A Celebration of Unity Forged Through Hometown Affection and Friendship

On October 19, under the full glow of autumn, the Second District Citizens' Sports Ground in Suseong-gu, Daegu was imbued with the spirit of Yecheon.

The 19th Annual Jae Daegu Yecheon County Residents' Family Sports Festival a Great Success
County Governor Kim Hakdong, Chairman Kang Younggu, and President Lee Donghwan Deliver Messages of Unity Connecting Hometowns and Diaspora.
Photo by Kwon Byunggun

The 19th Annual Jae Daegu Yecheon County Residents' Family Sports Festival was held with great success, attended by over 800 members of the diaspora and local dignitaries. The event became a meaningful occasion for unity, where hometown affection and friendship were shared.

The event included the entrance of the athletes, the handover of the county flag, the declaration of the opening, the national ceremony, introduction of guests, awards for distinguished members of the diaspora and outstanding public officials, presentation of plaques of appreciation and merit, opening remarks, congratulatory speeches, the return of the championship flag, and the athletes' oath.

In his opening address, Jae Daegu Yecheon County Residents' Association President Jeong Haung said, "I hope this gathering, where we share the scent of our hometown and each other's affection, will be a time to reaffirm our pride as people of Yecheon. I also hope that, based on our love for our hometown, both Yecheon County and our association will continue to grow together."

Yecheon County Governor Kim Hakdong stated in his congratulatory speech, "The warm hearts of our diaspora are the greatest driving force behind today's Yecheon. Your love for our hometown is bringing new vitality to our administration and policies."

He continued, "Yecheon County is strengthening its competitiveness across various fields such as agriculture, tourism, youth, and culture. We will build 'One Yecheon Community' that grows together with our diaspora."

Yecheon County Council Chairman Kang Younggu said in his congratulatory remarks, "The future of Yecheon is a shared journey created by both the hometown and the diaspora. The county council will represent the will of the people and realize an open council that communicates and cooperates with members of the diaspora."

He also expressed, "I hope Daegu and Yecheon will become growth partners for each other and open up new paths of regional development together."

Jae Daegu Provincial Residents' Association President Lee Donghwan remarked, "This gathering, where we do not forget our hometown and encourage each other, is the true strength of Yecheon people. The path forward, walked together by the diaspora and the region, is the future of Yecheon."

He added, "If the diaspora from across the country, including Daegu, unite under the name of Yecheon, an even greater path of development will open."

During the sports festival, a variety of events such as jegichagi (Korean shuttlecock kicking) and three-legged races were held, sparking fierce competition between towns and villages.

The festivities continued with performances by invited singers, a singing contest among towns and villages, and a raffle, bringing everyone together in laughter and unity.

The event was also attended by former Daegu Mayor Kim Beomil, Suseong-gu Mayor Kim Daegwon, Jae Daegu Uiseong Residents' Association President Kim Joungho, Jae Daegu Sangju Residents' Association President Song Youngheon, National Assemblyman Joo Ho-young, and other distinguished guests from various fields, who offered their congratulations.

This year's Jae Daegu Yecheon County Residents' Family Sports Festival was more than just a gathering of people from the same hometown; it was a celebration of the identity and solidarity of the Yecheon people.

Longing for their hometown was rekindled under the Daegu sky, and the moment the diaspora and the hometown became one, the pride of Yecheon people grew even deeper.

The resounding unity of Yecheon people, running and laughing together, is becoming a beacon lighting the way for tomorrow.