hankyoreh

Cleaning and security staff at Pusan National University watch a performance by students and professors

“We’re happy because you’re here,” said the banner, which was hanging up in Hyowon Hall, on the second floor of Sangnam International Building on the campus of Pusan National University on Oct. 18. This message was intended to express gratitude to the cleaning and security staff who look after every part of the university. Soon after 5 pm, the guests began to trickle into the room and took their seats at roundtables.

Yu Yeong-hyeon, student body president at Pusan National University, and Kim Jae-hwan, student body president at the university‘s art college, stood in front of the banner. The two took the microphone and announced the beginning of a “cultural event for sharing hearts.” The event was divided into two parts. The first part consisted of music, dances, traditional Korean music and videos that were arranged by the art college. From beginning to end, the guests responded to each performance with a big round of applause.

During the second part of the event, the guests were served barbecue cooked up by the students and Shin Taek-sun, a professor in the college of life science and natural resources. More than 200 guests - including custodians, security guards and lecturers - remained at their seats until 7 pm as they enjoyed a rare chance to see performances and to have some delicious food.

This event was organized to express gratitude to the janitors who are often unrecognized for the unpleasant work that they do and to the security guards who look after students’ safety and the campus buildings day and night. The event organizers also meant to create a culture in which members of the university are considerate of each other and thank each other for their hard work.

The event was held for the first time last year under the auspices of the PNU cultural center. Since last year‘s event was well-received and regarded as a chance for participants to understand and communicate with each other, it was held for the second consecutive year.

“The event gave participants a chance to confirm their interest in and love for each other and to communicate their gratitude for each other by giving something back,” said a source at PNU.

By Kim Kwang-soo, Busan correspondent

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