Gwangyang City Selects Kwangseok Choi as 'Volunteer King of the Year'

Contributions to Welfare for the Disabled, Senior Citizens, and Vulnerable Groups

Gwangyang City, South Jeolla Province, announced on the 25th that Mr. Kwangseok Choi was officially selected as the '2025 Volunteer King of the Year' through a review by the Gwangyang Volunteer Center Operations Committee, which was recently held at the City Hall Disaster and Safety Situation Room.

Mr. Kwangseok Choi, who works at POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks, has engaged in a total of 6,750 hours of volunteer work across 1,756 activities since 2005.

Mr. Kwangseok Choi, who is carrying out restroom renovation work. Provided by Gwangyang City

In particular, through his involvement with the Gwangyang Steelworks Wallpaper Volunteer Group, he has improved living conditions for low-income households by completing 300 projects such as wallpaper and flooring replacement, restroom and roof renovations, and boiler installations. He has also consistently supported vulnerable groups, including providing 500 coal briquettes through the 'Sharing Love Briquettes' initiative.

In addition to his personal volunteer work, he has participated as a volunteer in various events both within and outside the region, lending a helping hand wherever needed. During disasters and emergencies, he has actively provided on-site support, such as wallpaper and flooring replacement, to help restore affected areas quickly. As a member of the Nanumibu Couple Volunteer Group, he has also carried out various volunteer activities, including providing meals and improving the environment at six senior centers in the Hwanggildong area.

He has also continued regular sponsorship and donation activities. Mr. Choi has taken the lead in providing scholarships for underprivileged children and has consistently supported Sri Lanka as well.

Mr. Choi's long-standing dedication has been officially recognized on several occasions. He has received the Presidential Citation, as well as awards from the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Governor of South Jeolla Province, the Mayor of Gwangyang, and members of the National Assembly, in addition to a merit plaque from the Saemaul Association. He was also inducted into the POSCO Hall of Fame after achieving 10,000 hours of volunteer work together with his family.

Yang Seongmo, Chairperson of the Gwangyang Volunteer Center Operations Committee, said, "Congratulations on being selected as this year's Volunteer King. Mr. Choi's volunteer work serves as a great example for the citizens of Gwangyang and has had a very positive impact on the local community. I hope that this award will inspire more citizens to participate in volunteer activities."

Meanwhile, the '2025 Volunteer King of the Year' award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Gwangyang City 'Volunteer Night' celebration on December 9.