Morning ceremony held at provincial office
Park Wan-su pledges to strengthen self-reliance support
South Gyeongsang Province marked Youth Day on Tuesday with a series of events at the provincial office and Changwon National University, pledging broad support to help young people put down roots in the region.
The 2026 Youth Day ceremony was held in the main conference room on the fourth floor of the provincial office building, drawing about 200 attendees — including Governor Park Wan-su, members of the provincial assembly, youth policy advisory committee members, municipal youth representatives and university students from across the province.
At the ceremony, 21 individuals who contributed to the advancement of youth policy and the promotion of young people's rights received commendations from the governor. Broadcaster and former professional baseball player Jeong Geun-woo then took the stage, sharing how he overcame slumps during his playing career and embraced new challenges after transitioning to broadcasting.
That afternoon, about 400 local youth and university students gathered at Changwon National University's Gaon Hall for the Changwon edition of "Dream Ground Gyeongnam," a traveling talk concert series. Young professionals who had built their careers in the region and gone on to succeed in employment or entrepreneurship served as speakers, drawing a strong response as they shared practical know-how.
Among the speakers was Park Jae-hong, chief executive of Code of Nature, a social venture focused on environmental restoration using moss, who described his experience launching an eco-friendly business and expanding globally. Kim Sol-i, a senior researcher on LG Electronics' EX&G team, offered concrete career-planning advice drawn from her experience in public internships and other extracurricular activities, as well as her adjustment to corporate culture.
"We will expand quality jobs and strengthen the foundation for stable self-reliance and settlement so that young people can fully develop their potential," Governor Park said in his commemorative address.
South Gyeongsang Province plans to hold an additional talk concert in Yangsan in October, following earlier editions in Jinju in July, Hadong in August and Changwon this month.
ook967@heraldcorp.com
