Gochang County Governor Shim Deok-seop visited the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and proposed expanding awards for participation in the independence movement and the Donghak Peasant Revolution. Gochang County Governor Sim Deok-seop visited the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs on the 31st and delivered awards applications for 103 independence movement participants from Gochang and suggested expanding awards to participants in the Donghak Peasant Revolution.
On this day, Governor Shim had a meeting with Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Lee Hee-wan. We proposed an awards review to find the merits of independence activists from Gochang-gun and restore their honor with appropriate treatment and support. In addition, opinions were shared on the pending issue of expanding awards for participants in the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution.
Since last March, Seo Gochang-gun has been pursuing research services to discover independence activists from the region who were not recognized for their merits.
The list of 211 participants in the independence movement was confirmed through materials held by the National Archives, the National Historical Compilation Commission, the National Library, and the Diplomatic Archives, as well as judgments, prisoner lists, and school records from the Japanese colonial period.
Among these, public records were prepared for 103 people who met the review standards of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, including judgments and prison records. By type of movement, there were 4 members of the March 1st Movement, 29 volunteer soldiers, 47 members of the domestic anti-Japanese movement, 22 members of the student movement, and 1 member from overseas.
Gochang County Governor Shim Deok-seop said, “We will do our best to ensure that the noble spirit of the independence activists who fought against Japan for independence is not buried in history and is passed on to future generations.” He added, “I hope that this application for the Order of Merit will serve as an opportunity to discover the proud history of Gochang. “He said.
Gochang-gun established a plan to discover independence activists from Gochang and find their descendants in September last year as part of the 8th popular election pledge project to spread the veterans culture of memory and respect. We plan to continue to make various efforts to discover American independence activists and support their bereaved families.
Meanwhile, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province won the ‘Grand Prize in the Best Practices Contest for Residential Environment Improvement (Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award)’ at the ‘2024 Urban Re-creation Festival’ held at Busan Citizen’s Park on the 31st.
Gochang-gun improved the residential environment through a house repair project and created an original and beautiful landscape that blends well with the shape of the city through the maintenance of traditional fences and alleys.
In particular, residents actively participated and received favorable reviews for raising the identity and pride of the Moyangseong Village community.
These efforts resulted in the creation of a customized landscape that residents could be satisfied with and the preservation of local characteristics in harmony with the historical and cultural landscape of Moyangseong Fortress.
The judging panel said, “The Gochang-gun residential environment improvement project is an exemplary case that has created results that serve as a model for urban regeneration,” and added, “The goal of the Urban Regeneration New Deal project was effectively realized by creating a harmonious landscape created together with residents.” .
Gochang County Mayor Shim Deok-seop said, “We will continue to pursue urban regeneration projects that will preserve the unique features of local landscape resources and enrich the daily lives of residents.”
Donations of hometown love donations are continuing in Gochang-gun. According to Gochang-gun on the 1st, Choi Gyu-yeon, CEO of Ilto C&M Co., Ltd., a private operator specializing in environmental basic facilities consignment, and Jang Woo-chan, manager of Korea Construction Technology Corporation, a concrete and rebar construction company, donated 5 million won each, a total of 10 million won, to Gochang-gun for their hometown love. made a donation.
CEO Gyu-yeon Choi said, “I hope that participating in the Hometown Love Donation System will be of some help to the development of Gochang-gun,” and added, “All Ilto C&M employees will continue to protect the clean environment of Gochang-gun and support the development of Gochang-gun through community contribution activities.” .
Manager Jang Woo-chan said, “Gochang-gun has always held a big place in my heart,” and added, “I wanted to contribute a little in the hope that Gochang-gun will achieve greater development in the future.”
Gochang County Mayor Shim Deok-seop expressed his gratitude by saying, “The continued warmth of CEO Gyu-yeon Choi and Manager Woo-chan Jang will be a great help to the development of the region.” He added, “The donations you have made will be carefully used for various projects to promote the welfare of the local community and benefit residents.” reported.
Gochang-gun offers a variety of over 80 types of return gifts, including local specialties such as eel, bokbunja, sweet potatoes, and rice, as well as agricultural, fish, and livestock products, processed foods, and tourism-service products.
The Hometown Love Donation System, now in its second year of operation, allows people to donate up to 5 million won per year to local governments other than their own address. Donations under 100,000 won are fully tax deductible, and donations exceeding 100,000 won receive a 16.5% tax credit. Donors can receive gifts in return up to 30% of the donation amount.
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Gochang-gun
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Governor Shim Deok-seop of Gochang County
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, Governor Shim. Thank you for joining us today. There has been significant news about your recent proposal to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs regarding awards for participants in the independence movement. Can you share what motivated this important initiative?
Governor Shim Deok-seop (GSD): Thank you for having me. Our initiative to expand awards for participants in both the independence movement and the Donghak Peasant Revolution is driven by our commitment to honor those who fought bravely for our nation’s freedom. Many individuals from Gochang played crucial roles in these movements, and it’s essential that we recognize their efforts and restore their honor.
TNE: You mentioned the discovery of a list of 211 participants from the independence movement. How did you go about gathering this information, and what do you hope to achieve with it?
GSD: We conducted thorough research utilizing materials from the National Archives, the National Historical Compilation Commission, and various records from the Japanese colonial period. From this, we prepared documentation for 103 individuals based on their merits and accomplishments. By recognizing these heroes, we not only honor their sacrifices but also aim to inspire future generations with our proud history.
TNE: It’s commendable to recognize and celebrate this history. The restoration of honor and support for the families of independence activists seems to be a vital part of your efforts. Can you elaborate on what steps are being taken to support their descendants?
GSD: Absolutely. Since last September, we’ve been focused on identifying independence activists from Gochang and reaching out to their descendants. Alongside awarding merits, we’re committed to supporting bereaved families in tangible ways, ensuring that the legacy of these individuals lives on and that their descendants are honored as part of our community’s history.
TNE: Beyond the independence awards, Gochang has also made strides in urban regeneration, recently winning a grand prize for residential environment improvement. How do these efforts relate to the town’s historical significance?
GSD: Our urban regeneration project aims to enhance the living environment while preserving our rich cultural history. By improving the residential landscape and involving residents in the process, we’re not only beautifying Gochang but also fostering a sense of pride and identity rooted in our history. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s vital for us to maintain the unique characteristics of our community.
TNE: It sounds like a comprehensive approach to not only celebrate the past but also enrich the present. With your initiatives like the Hometown Love Donation System, how do you see community involvement evolving in Gochang?
GSD: Community involvement is pivotal. The Hometown Love Donation System allows residents and businesses to support local development efforts, and I believe it strengthens the bond between the community and its history. Programs like this encourage active participation and investment in the future of Gochang, which is essential for sustainable growth.
TNE: Governor Shim, thank you for your insights. It’s enlightening to hear how Gochang County is balancing the honor of its history while improving the lives of its residents. What message would you like to share with the people of Gochang and beyond?
GSD: I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our residents for their support and participation. Together, we will ensure that the legacy of our independence activists is not forgotten and that we build a bright future enriched by our past. Let’s continue to work together to preserve our history while fostering a thriving community. Thank you.
TNE: Thank you, Governor Shim. We look forward to seeing Gochang continue to thrive and honor its rich heritage.