Chungnam Province has pledged to not only improve the quality of life for North Korean defectors in the province but also to take the lead in unifying the Korean Peninsula, thereby opening a new future for the Republic of Korea.

The province announced that it held the "2nd North Korean Defector's Day" commemorative ceremony on the 12th at the Chungnam Provincial Library auditorium, with 250 attendees including Vice Governor Park Jung-joo, North Korean defectors, and officials from the provincial assembly, cities/counties, and related organizations.

The event, held to support the successful settlement of North Korean defectors, boost their pride, enhance their rights, and foster community integration, proceeded with a program that included △ commendations for meritorious individuals △ commemorative speeches △ congratulatory remarks △ commemorative performances △ and side events.

Under the slogan "Beyond Borders, A Unified Powerful Chungnam," attendees encouraged each other in their pursuit of freedom and greater dreams, and wished for the unification of the Korean Peninsula based on communication, solidarity, and harmony with the local community.

During the ceremony, Vice Governor Park emphasized, "There's an old saying, 'Suguchoshim,' which means 'the longing for one's hometown can never be forgotten, even in dreams.' We will take the lead in unification so that you can eventually return to your hometown."

Since its launch, the 8th popularly elected Powerful Chungnam administration has strived to strengthen the consensus for unification across all generations through 9 exhibitions of defectors' life stories and over 40 educational programs for provincial residents.

The "Chungcheong Region Unification Plus Center" is expected to be completed in November, which will further systematize defector support and initiatives to improve public awareness of unification.

Support for defectors is also being provided, as Chungnam is the first province in the nation to allocate relevant budgets to all cities and counties, ensuring that even if there is only one defector, they will receive assistance.

The province plans to continue implementing policies aimed at improving the quality of life and achieving social integration for North Korean defectors by strengthening community networks, in line with its vision of "Coexisting Chungnam, Unified Powerful Chungnam."

Finally, Vice Governor Park stated, "The Republic of Korea, with only half its strength, has risen from nothing to become the world's 10th largest economy. I believe that if all the power of the Korean Peninsula is combined, we can become a top-tier developed nation." He concluded, "I hope you will also add your strength and wisdom to opening a new future for the Republic of Korea."

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