NONSAN — Chungcheongnam-do Governor Park Soo-hyun attended the opening celebration of the Kim Hong-shin Literature Festival on Saturday at Konyang University’s athletic field in Nonsan, paying tribute to the renowned author for five decades of literary excellence and his recent award of the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit.

Kim, born in Gongju in 1947 and raised in Nonsan, entered the literary scene in 1976. He achieved historic success in 1981 by becoming South Korea's inaugural million-selling novelist with his hit book Human Market. Beyond his writing career, Kim also dedicated himself to public service, serving as a two-term lawmaker in the 15th and 16th National Assembly.

Saturday's festival program included cultural pre-shows, commemorative video presentations, congratulatory speeches, the official bestowal of the cultural medal, an interactive talk concert, and a live musical performance by the veteran group "C'est Si Bon."

During his congratulatory speech, Governor Park praised Kim not only as a literary giant but also as a political role model. "Author Kim personally embodied the true essence of politics," Park remarked. "He achieved an unprecedented milestone in constitutional history by ranking first in parliamentary performance evaluations for eight consecutive years, earning respect across party lines as a model legislator."

Highlighting Kim’s artistic philosophy, Park concluded, "The author once noted that a vital mission of literature is to use the pen to hold power accountable. I will carry his vision forward and work tirelessly to foster a society that deeply respects human dignity."

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