Mayor Bang Se-hwan of Gwangju Receives 'Freedom Award' from World League for Freedom and Democracy

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Eom In-yong] Mayor Bang Se-hwan of Gwangju has received the 'Freedom Award' from the World League for Freedom and Democracy.

The 'Freedom Award' is an honor bestowed by the World League for Freedom and Democracy since 2001 to individuals who have contributed to the protection and advancement of liberal democracy. This award was presented by Shin Kyung-taek, chairman of the Gyeonggi Province branch, on behalf of Yao Eng Chi, president of the World League for Freedom and Democracy.

Since taking office as the mayor of Gwangju in the eighth civilian-elected term, Mayor Bang has taken the lead in spreading the values of liberal democracy in the local community and inheriting the spirit of national defense and patriotic service. His efforts to rename Gyeongan Neighborhood Park to 'Patriotic Heroes Park' to commemorate the region's history of protecting democracy and cultivate citizens' patriotic spirit were highly evaluated.

Meanwhile, the World League for Freedom and Democracy is an international organization established to spread the universal values of liberal democracy around the world. Currently, 139 countries are members, and it actively conducts various activities to protect and promote freedom and democracy transcending race, nationality, and ideology.

Mayor Bang Se-hwan stated, "This 'Freedom Award' was made possible through the cooperation and dedication of the citizens of Gwangju and members of the Gwangju branch of the Korean Federation for Freedom." He added, "I will take greater responsibility and make more efforts to protect liberal democracy and prepare for peaceful unification."