Geukdong Broadcasting marks 70 years with events in Busan and Seoul
In short
Christian broadcaster Geukdong Broadcasting (극동방송) concluded three days of 70th-anniversary events in Busan and Seoul on October 17. About 12,000 worshippers and supporters attended its homecoming gathering at Hanyang University, according to reports.
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Christian broadcaster Geukdong Broadcasting (극동방송) said on October 18 that it had concluded its 70th-anniversary events in Busan and Seoul. The programme ran from October 15 to 17, beginning with a choir festival in Busan and ending with a homecoming gathering and concert at Hanyang University in Seoul. About 12,000 worshippers and supporters attended the homecoming event, Yonhap reported. [ 4 ]
The opening event was the 35th national choir festival at Busan Concert Hall. Seven church choir teams, with about 1,200 members, and an orchestra participated, according to Yonhap. The next day, about 600 guests from religious, political, business and academic circles attended an anniversary luncheon in Seoul. Former president Lee Myung-bak and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended and delivered congratulatory remarks. [ 4 ]
The October 17 gathering at Hanyang University included a history exhibition, broadcasting experiences and spaces for games and food, Seoul Shinmun reported. A sports event for staff from 13 branches and a taekwondo demonstration also took place. The anniversary concert began at 16:00 in the open-air theatre, with performances including a children’s choir parade and musical actress Cha Ji-yeon (차지연). [ 2 ]
Chairman and pastor Kim Jang-hwan (김장환) described the anniversary programme as an opportunity to announce a media missionary vision for the next 100 years, Yonhap reported. He said the broadcaster would continue its mission of evangelisation of the Korean Peninsula and reaching the next generation. Hankook Ilbo reported that a thanksgiving service would be held on December 23 at the broadcaster’s art hall. [ 3 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The broadcaster used the anniversary to set out plans to expand its media missionary work. Its chairman said it would continue work on evangelisation of the Korean Peninsula and reaching the next generation.
Key facts
- The anniversary events ran from October 15 to 17 in Busan and Seoul. [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 6 ]
- About 12,000 worshippers and supporters attended the Hanyang University homecoming event. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- About 600 guests attended the October 16 anniversary luncheon in Seoul. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The broadcaster began transmitting in 1956. [ 1 , 3 , 6 ]