Jeju governor, Ewha president win 'Persons of Year Award'
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Won Hee-ryong
By Chung Hyun-chae
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Governor Won Hee-ryong and Ewha Womans University President Choi Kyung-hee have won the “Persons of the Year Award” from the Journalists Federation of Korea.
The federation said Wednesday that it selected Won as the recipient of the best prize in the category of administration renovation in recognition for presenting a blueprint for sustainable development of the resort island.
It said Choi was chosen as the winner of the grand prize in the education development category for her innovative drive to provide a customized education for students.
She was also lauded for enhancing her university’s research capabilities by establishing a cancer research center in cooperation with the Jackson Laboratory, a U.S. biomedical research institution.
“We think the judges thought highly of our president’s effort to expand our international network as many prominent figures including French President Francois Hollande and Cherie Blair, chancellor of the Asian University for Women,” a school official said.
Kang Sue-jin, artistic director of the Korean National Ballet, also won an award in the cultural art category.
The federation grants the annual awards every December to those who have made outstanding achievements in the political, economic, cultural, arts and social sectors.
The judges comprised of federation officials and former senior journalists screen the candidates based on their social contribution and professionalism.
The federation selected all 13 winners this year. It will hold an award ceremony in its building in Yeouido, Seoul, Monday.