Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Journalists' Association (Chair Kim Jun-ho) held the 2nd JeonEon Forum on the 26th and discussed the public sentiment in Jeonbuk revealed in the April 10 general election and local community strategies to overcome the crisis of regional extinction.

The forum opened with greetings from President Yang O-bong and Kim Jun-ho, Chair of the JBNU Journalists' Association. Shin Young-dae (Gunsan–Gimje–Buan A) and Lee Won-taek (Gunsan–Gimje–Buan B), who were elected to the 22nd National Assembly, participated and outlined voters' demands, the current state of public sentiment confirmed in this election, and the challenges facing the political sphere.

Baek Gi-tae, JBNU Vice-President of the Office of Planning, also presented the current status and this year's implementation plan for the Glocal University 30 Project. Through this presentation, he announced JBNU's ambitious plan to respond to regional extinction and to pursue mutually beneficial development with local communities.

Kim Ju-young, Director of the General Support Division for Jeollabuk Special Self-Governing Province, presented the province's progress and future plans and outlined provincial support measures, development directions, and plans to respond to regional extinction, drawing attention.

Lee Chang-ik, Director of Jeonju MBC, and Kim Seong-a, Managing Editor of Jeonbuk Domin Ilbo, among others, participated as panelists and proposed alternatives regarding the challenges and response measures perceived by the political sector, universities, and local governments facing the crisis of regional extinction.

Following the forum, the second session held the awards ceremony for the "2024 JBNU Journalists' Award," presented to journalists who have upheld the mission of journalism and the principles of fair reporting.

This year's JBNU Journalists' Award went to Jeon Oh-yeol, Deputy Managing Editor of Jeonbuk Ilbo (newspaper category), and Hong In-chul, Head of Yonhap News Agency's Jeonbuk Bureau (broadcasting/telecommunications category). Special prizes were awarded to Senior Reporter Park Im-geun of The Hankyoreh and News Director Lee Seung-hwan of JTV Jeonju Broadcasting.

President Yang O-bong said, "While many areas in our region face the risk of regional extinction due to rapid population decline, we are also seeing companies in advanced future industries — such as secondary batteries, semiconductors, and the defense industry — gathering here. Today’s forum, in which regional innovation actors come together to address local issues and pool their wisdom, will serve as a starting point for the region to find a new path to take off."