A Youth-Specialised Library to be Established in Sangok-dong, Bupyeong... Built and Donated by an Individual

A specialised library for youth will be established in Sangok-dong, Bupyeong. This project is being pursued in an unusual manner where an individual directly builds a public library and donates it to the local government.

Bupyeong District announced on the 20th that a donation agreement ceremony for the establishment of the (tentative) Sangok Youth-Specialised Library was held at the district office. The ceremony was attended by Bupyeong District Mayor Cha Jun-taek, Kijunghyun, CEO of Healing Way, and Kim Gichan, Chairman of the Sangok Redevelopment Association.

According to the agreement, CEO Kijunghyun will be responsible for the construction of the library, while Bupyeong District will provide administrative support such as permits. The Sangok Redevelopment Association will provide the land for the library free of charge.

The Sangok Youth-Specialised Library will be built on the site of 91-60 Sangok-dong, with a scale of one basement level and three above-ground levels. It is expected to operate as a youth-specialised multi-cultural space, including dedicated areas for infants, children, and teenagers, as well as a comprehensive resource room and multipurpose room.

Bupyeong District plans to proceed with the project aiming for construction to start in January 2027 and the opening in October 2028, following the relevant administrative procedures.

This project was realised when CEO Kijunghyun expressed his intention to build a library on the site undergoing redevelopment and donate it to Bupyeong District. It is rare for an individual to directly build and donate a public facility, attracting interest from both within and outside the community.

CEO Kijunghyun has been involved in various charitable activities, including supporting youth development and care facilities for the disabled. In recognition of his contributions, he received a Presidential Citation at the 14th National Sharing Awards in 2025, and he is currently a member of the 'Honor Society', a group of major donors.

CEO Kijunghyun stated, "I felt that there was a lack of space for youth to envision and design their dreams, which is why I decided to make this donation. I hope this library, which will be established in the newly transformed Sangok-dong due to redevelopment, will become a lighthouse illuminating the future of our youth."

Mayor Cha Jun-taek of Bupyeong District expressed his deep gratitude for the decision of CEO Kijunghyun to donate his valuable assets for the community, stating, "We will spare no administrative support to ensure that the donor's intentions are fully realised."