Heo Sun-ok (community service), Park Mi-ja (filial piety), Oh Jeong-hui (arts), Ma Sang-gil (sports)
Dongducheon announced Friday that it has selected four recipients for the 38th Dongducheon Citizen Award, which honors residents who have dedicated themselves to the community with exceptional civic spirit.
The award was first established in 1989 to recognize citizens who have enhanced the city's reputation and contributed to local development. Through last year, a total of 173 people have received the honor.
This year's recipients are Heo Sun-ok in the community service category, Park Mi-ja in filial piety and good deeds, Oh Jeong-hui in culture and arts, and Ma Sang-gil in sports promotion.
Heo, selected in the community service category, currently serves as women's chapter president of the Korea Freedom Federation's Dongducheon branch. She has actively led sharing initiatives for marginalized residents, environmental cleanup drives, care for vulnerable groups, and various volunteer activities. She is particularly recognized for her dedication to resolving residents' everyday difficulties and identifying welfare blind spots, contributing to local development and a broader culture of volunteerism.
Park, selected in the filial piety and good deeds category, has cared for her parents-in-law over many years and serves as the head of the sixth neighborhood unit in Sangpae-dong as well as a member of the Happiness Sharing Hands and Feet Volunteer Society. She attentively looks after elderly residents and neighbors in her community, and is recognized as a model of consistent generosity and service.
Oh, selected in the culture and arts category, serves as senior vice chapter president of the Korea Entertainment Artists Federation's Dongducheon branch. She participates in a range of cultural events including Citizens' Day, arts festivals and song competitions, and continues her community service through outreach performances at welfare centers and care facilities. She is also credited with helping spread popular culture and raising Dongducheon's profile nationally.
Ma, selected in the sports promotion category, has served as president of the Dongducheon Volleyball Association, leading the sport's development in the city with notable passion and commitment. He is recognized for his significant contributions to local athletics through player development, expanding recreational participation and organizing various sporting events.
The four recipients will receive their award certificates and medals at the Citizens' Day ceremony at the city civic hall on Oct. 2.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
