Nam Hyun-woo has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2013, mostly covering business and politics. He currently belongs to the Business Desk where he covers topics such as emerging tech, AI, ICT and Korea's chaebol community. Prior to joining the team, he was the paper's correspondent for the presidential office of Korea during the Yoon Suk Yeol and Moon Jae-in administrations.
55 public servants win awards for services this year
President Yoon Suk Yeol applauds after awarding Hong Seok-ku, right, a deputy director of agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, with the Green Stripes Order of Service Merit during an awarding ceremony at Sejong Convention Center, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps
By Nam Hyun-woo
A total of 55 government officials won orders of merit, medals and commendations for their brilliant services for the public this year during an awarding ceremony, Tuesday.
President Yoon Suk Yeol attended the ceremony at the Sejong Convention Center and granted awards to winners. It was the first time in five years that an incumbent president attended such a ceremony.
Among Tuesday’s winners, Hong Seok-ku, a deputy director of agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, was awarded the Green Stripes Order of Service Merit, which is the fourth-highest decoration given to public servants who excelled in their services.
Hong was recognized for his service in the government’s introduction of a raw milk pricing system, setting different prices for raw milk depending on product purposes, such as for drinking or use in dairy products.
Inspector Oh Hyeok-jin of Korea Coast Guard Changwon Station won the Aquamarine Stripes Order of Service Merit, the fifth-highest decoration, for apprehending nine suspects over a technology leak worth 83 billion won ($63.89 million).
Fire Captain Han Jeong-min at Seoul 119 Special Rescue Services was also awarded the Aquamarine Stripes Order of Service Merit for his two decades of lifesaving service as a water rescue specialist. He participated in seven international rescue activities, including rescue missions in the typhoon-hit city of Tacloban, the Philippines, and at the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan.
Nine other public servants also won the Service Merit Medals, and 21 were awarded with presidential commendations for their contribution to government projects.
“The commitment of government officials is a huge asset of the people and the country,” Yoon said during the ceremony. “Please visit the field and pay even closer attention to the voices of the people.”
Yoon pledged to improve the working environment of government officials, urging them to join for the betterment of the country and the people’s happiness.