Choi Jong-pil, president of the Central Luzon Korean Association, has been named a recipient of the Republic of Korea’s Order of Civil Merit (Mongnyeon Medal) in recognition of his contributions to civil society.

According to the South Korean government’s official awards website, the Mongnyeon Medal is a state decoration conferred on individuals for distinguished service to the advancement of civil society.

The recognition honors Choi’s contributions and marks a milestone for the Central Luzon Korean community.