Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) and the JBNU Journalists Association (President Lee Chang-ik) held the awards ceremony for the 2026 JBNU Journalists Award, presented to alumni journalists who have upheld the mission of the press and principled reporting, on February 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Jeonbuk National University.

At the ceremony, the Journalist Award was presented to Lee Myung-hwan, reporter at Naeil Shinmun, and Park Hyung-gyu, Director of the Broadcasting and Cultural Projects Bureau at KBS Jeonju Broadcasting. The Distinguished Service Award was conferred on Park Pal-ryeong, deputy chief at Munhwa Ilbo, and Jeong Yoon-seong, director at JTV Jeonju Broadcasting.

The JBNU Journalists Award is presented annually to recognize alumni journalists who have faithfully performed the press’s fundamental role on the front lines of Korean society and local communities and who have contributed to fair reporting and the formation of public discourse.

Lee Myung-hwan of Naeil Shinmun has expanded public discussion on civic issues through in-depth reporting and planned investigative coverage focusing on politics and administration. In particular, he served as planning director of the Jeonun Forum, organizing four roundtable discussions and consistently fulfilling the role of a journalist connecting his alma mater and the local community.

Park Hyung-gyu, Director of the Broadcasting and Cultural Projects Bureau at KBS Jeonju Broadcasting, has broadly highlighted regional issues through his work as a 9 o'clock news anchor, head of the news department, and director of the Broadcasting and Cultural Projects Bureau. He notably established the news department’s first New Media Team, overseeing content planning and production aimed at online platforms and contributing to the public value and influence of regional broadcasting.

Park Pal-ryeong of Munhwa Ilbo, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, served as a national newspaper reporter and for many years covered politics, the economy, and society across the Jeonbuk region, working to deliver local voices to the nation. Jeong Yoon-seong, director at JTV Jeonju Broadcasting’s news department, contributed to enhancing the credibility of regional broadcast journalism through field-centered news production and responsible reporting.

President Yang O-bong said, “I extend my deep respect and gratitude to our alumni journalists who have upheld the value of principled journalism amid a fierce media environment,” and added, “JBNU will continue to faithfully fulfill its role as a flagship national university that, together with the media, considers the future of the region and society.”