From 18 to 2,400: The 50-Year Miracle Created by the Meeting of a Priest and a Giant

Can a single act of kindness create a massive community? In 1976, a small movement that began in Eumseong County has grown into the massive House of Love over the course of 50 years. According to a KBS Documentary Workshop video, the roots of Kkottongnae, South Korea's largest social welfare facility, can be found in the act of sharing food with beggars cared for by grandfather Choi Gi-dong. At that time, Father Oh Woong-jin was moved by this kindness and established a facility called 'House of Love,' and this community, which started with 18 people, has now established itself as a comprehensive welfare community caring for about 2,400 neighbors.

"The Love of the Earth Reaches the Sky," the 50-Year Journey Kkottongnae Has Walked

On September 8, Kkottongnae held a meaningful event to commemorate its 50th anniversary. This ceremony was recorded as more than just a place to celebrate the past, but as a starting point toward a new 100 years. At the scene, about 5,000 members and benefactors gathered from across the country, and many people from 20 overseas countries also attended to grace the occasion. In particular, the significance of the event was added as a blessing letter from Pope Leo XIV was delivered.

A time to reflect on the fundamentals of Kkottongnae was also prepared during the ceremony. An interviewee in the video conveyed the atmosphere of reflecting on their first intentions, saying, "It feels like it will be our hearts as we celebrate the Holy Year today, a time when nothing is prepared." Father Oh Woong-jin expressed his gratitude while emphasizing the continuation of a life of love, and the following melodies of the orchestra and vocalists deepened the meaning of sharing. One resident who was gifted a new life at Kkottongnae shared their feelings, saying, "This is my second home," and "I hope Kkottongnae becomes the light and salt of the world."

"Held in Eumseong for the First Time in 13 Years," A Feast of 25 Events Performed by About 5,000 Athletes

While the sharing of Kkottongnae provided emotion, the 65th Chungbuk Provincial Sports Festival held in the Eumseong County area was filled with hot energy. This competition, which took place for three days from September 10 to 12, created a festival ground as about 5,000 athletes from 11 cities and counties in Chungbuk gathered. A total of 25 events, including soccer, volleyball, and Taekwondo, were contested, and the passion of the cheering squads was as intense as the skills of the athletes.

Behind the successful operation of the competition, there was an invisible hand. Volunteers from Eumseong County played intermediary roles such as providing guidance and supplies at each venue and receiving complaints, helping with the safety and smooth progress of the competition. One volunteer expressed affection for the event, saying, "As this year's competition is being held in Eumseong for the first time in 13 years, nothing would be achieved without the volunteers."

From Volleyball Spikes to Kendo Shouts, the Meaning of a Festival Beyond Competition

In various parts of the venues, different charms of each event radiated out. In the men's volleyball quarterfinals between Cheongju and Boeun, tension rose with powerful spikes and defense. As a result of the match, Cheongju won 2-0, but the Boeun athletes and cheering squad promised a better performance at next year's competition in Boeun. An athlete at the scene explained the meaning of the competition, saying, "The fact that all regions of Chungbuk gather to compete is itself a truly great festival."

In the Kendo arena, where composure and discipline are required, the fierce shouts of the athletes echoed. In the women's Kendo final, Lee Su-yeon from Jeungpyeong clinched the victory. Lee Dae-yong, the Cheongju representative who took second place, revealed that he continues to exercise steadily as a current police officer. He said, "It's not that there is no pressure, but overcoming this and achieving results is the way to enhance the honor of Cheongju City," and added, "It is also a competition that greatly contributes to local revitalization."

This competition, where athletes running for regional pride, volunteers dedicating themselves in unseen places, and citizens cheering passionately harmonized, concluded as a time for Chungbuk to become one. The 66th competition next year is scheduled to be held in Boeun.