Throwing Shoes and Kicking Jegi, United in Laughter

Unity Over Competition
Chilgok County Village Chiefs' Association Unity Sports Festival

On November 7, the Chilgok County National Sports Center, where the "Chilgok County Village Chiefs' Association Unity Sports Festival" was held, briefly became a playground for adults. On this day, the village chiefs, who are usually responsible for their communities, returned to their childhoods and shared a sense of innocence.

Group photo of Chilgok County Village Chiefs Association One Mind Sports Festival / Photo provided by Chilgok County Office

More than 300 people, including village chiefs from towns and townships, their families, and guests, participated in the event.

Under the slogan "Laughter Over Competition, Unity Over Results," the festival featured nostalgic games such as shoe archery and jegichagi (a traditional Korean game similar to hacky sack).

It was heartwarming to see the village representatives laughing as they threw shoes and kicked jegi.

Old sneakers soared through the air. Even when they missed the target, laughter erupted instead of sighs. When the jegi spun and landed on a toe, people cheered, "As expected of our village chief!"

During the opening ceremony, awards were presented to village chiefs who contributed to the development of county administration. The following talent show featured performances by town and township representatives, enthusiastic cheering, and guest singers Lee Chae-eon, Jung Yeonhee, and Choi Jihyun took the stage.

Lee Myungsoo, President of the Chilgok County Village Chiefs' Association, said, "Although we are always busy with village affairs, today my heart felt as light as it did in my childhood. It was wonderful to see each other's faces, laugh, and talk together."

Kim Jaewook, Mayor of Chilgok County, encouraged the participants, saying, "Through today's event, Chilgok's community was connected by warm innocence and laughter rather than competition. I hope today will be a time for everyone to come together in laughter."

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