Gangnam-gu is accepting nominations through Aug. 7 for the 35th Gangnam-gu Citizen Merit Award, seeking unsung contributors who have worked to advance the local community, improve resident welfare and practice neighborly care, the district office announced. District Mayor Kim Hyun-ki heads the office.
Now in its 35th year, the Gangnam-gu Citizen Merit Award is the district's flagship honor recognizing the achievements of residents and organizations that have brought distinction to Gangnam. Winners will be selected across 12 categories — including volunteer service, charitable giving, the local economy and future talent — and the individual with the most outstanding record of public service will receive the top honor, the Grand Citizen Award.
Category awards include the Courageous Citizen Award, given to residents who risked their lives to save others; the Model Family Award, for residents raising three or more children or living across three generations under one roof as an example of family community values; and the Future Talent Award, recognizing youth and young adults who demonstrate leadership and creativity.
The Service Award goes to individuals and organizations that have consistently practiced care for their neighbors, while the Model Entrepreneur Award recognizes individuals and corporations that have contributed to the local economy and maintained a principal office in Gangnam-gu for five or more years. Those who have shared their wealth, goods or skills through donations may be nominated for the Beautiful Giving Award. The Peace and Security Award honors residents who have contributed to peace and security initiatives, and the Special Award recognizes individuals or groups that have brought distinction to Gangnam-gu through exceptional achievement.
To be eligible, nominees must be individuals registered as Gangnam-gu residents for at least five years as of the nomination date, or organizations and corporations based in the district for at least five years. Nominees must have a clear record of contribution to community development in their respective category. However, those who have already received the award for the same achievement, or who received the award for any achievement within the past three years, are not eligible.
Nominations may be submitted by department heads at the district office, heads of neighborhood administrative units, or heads of relevant institutions and organizations for each category. Members of the general public wishing to nominate a candidate must secure the joint endorsement of at least 15 residents who are not members of the same household.
Nominators should submit a nomination form, supporting documentation of the candidate's achievements and a photograph taken within the past six months. Public nominations must also include a joint endorsement form. Submissions are accepted by email or by mail and in-person delivery to the district office's Community Self-Governance Division. Full details are available in the public notice on the district office website.
The district will convene the Gangnam-gu Citizen Merit Award Review Committee in September to evaluate all submitted nominations and select the final recipients. A ceremony is scheduled for October.
"The Gangnam-gu Citizen Merit Award is a meaningful occasion for residents to come together and honor those who have devoted themselves to their neighbors and brightened the community from behind the scenes," district Mayor Kim said. "I ask residents to actively take interest and submit nominations so that the unsung contributors who have made Gangnam a warmer and more livable city can receive the recognition they deserve."
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