First Place at National Comics and Webtoon Creation Contest from a Small Rural Village in Seongju County: "Thanks to Saturday After-School Art Class"

Han Yeonsu and Lee Run Win Grand Prize at Gyeongsan Comics and Webtoon Creation Contest
Suryun Middle School Achieves Career Education Success Despite Having Only 34 Students and 6 Graduates

Two middle school students attending a small rural school in Seongju County, North Gyeongsang Province, have resonated deeply with the local community by winning the Grand Prize at the 1st Gyeongsan Comics and Webtoon Creation Contest.

This contest was a main program of the Gyeongsan Comics Festival, held until November 2 around the Namcheon riverside in Gyeongsan, providing a platform for young people across the country to showcase their unique perspectives on the world and demonstrate their storytelling abilities.

Han Yeonsu, a third-year student, and Lee Run, a first-year student at Suryun Middle School, receiving the grand prize at the 1st Gyeongsan Comics and Webtoon Creation Contest. Provided by Suryun Middle School

Among the participants, a team from Suryun Middle School-composed of Han Yeonsu, a third-year student, and Lee Run, a first-year student-received overwhelming praise from the judges and claimed the prestigious Grand Prize, becoming the recipients of a 2 million won cash award.

Both students have consistently participated in the Saturday after-school art program, honing their drawing skills and expressive abilities. Their entry was praised for its creative planning and high level of execution.

Participation in this contest was significant not only as a competition but also as an opportunity for students interested in the arts to concretely explore their future paths and dreams.

Teachers applauded, saying, "This is a case that proves students from even the smallest rural schools can shine on big stages if they pursue their passions and work diligently."

Han Yeonsu shared, "Every time I draw, my desire to pursue what I love as a career grows stronger."

Lee Run said, "I was happy to prepare for the contest with my older sister, helping each other and growing together. I want to create even better works in the future."

Suryun Middle School is a small school with only 34 students and just 6 graduates this year, but it operates customized career education programs tailored to students’ aptitudes and interests from the time they enroll.

Through a variety of career exploration programs in fields such as the arts, technology, and vocational specialties, the school helps students find their paths early on. Graduates are set to advance to art high schools, Meister high schools, and other institutions aligned with their individual dreams.

This award is also seen as the result of such systematic career education.

Kim Youngjin, the art teacher, said, "Both students have always truly loved art and demonstrated perseverance in pursuing what they enjoy. I am very proud that the skills they developed through Saturday after-school activities shone in this contest."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.