Sim Deokseop's 'Oh! Are You Deokseop?' Publication Celebration Successfully Held

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] Shim Deokseop, former Vice Minister-level Deputy Director of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, who is preparing to run for Gochang County Governor in Jeollabuk-do in the nationwide local elections this June, published his book titled ‘THE Good Gochang’ Project ‘Oh! Are You Deokseop?’ and held a publication celebration on the 22nd at the Gochang Cultural Center Performance Hall.

As the publication celebration strictly followed COVID-19 quarantine rules, many attendees could not enter the venue and eased their disappointment by watching the live broadcast on YouTube channel Shim Deokseop TV.

The event proceeded in the order of guest congratulatory speeches, screening of congratulatory videos, a conversation with the author, introduction of various citizens’ support videos, and photo sessions.

Guest congratulatory speeches were delivered by Assemblyman Yoon Junbyung, Shim Daepyeong, Chairman of the Cheongsong Shim Clan Association, former Vice Minister Kim Youngho of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Kim Yongjin, Chairman of the National Pension Service, former Vice Minister Kim Hoyoung of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kim Junggyu, Chairman of the War Veterans Association, former Principal Lee Yeongyu of Gochang High School, and Lee Injae, Chairman of the Local Government Officials Mutual Aid Association.

Additionally, congratulatory videos from former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, Assemblyman Hong Youngpyo, Assemblyman Ahn Kyubaek, Assemblyman Jung Uncheon, Assemblyman Kang Byungwon, OECD Ambassador Ko Hyungkwon, former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Byun Changheum, former Vice Minister Kang Junseok of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and Jo Bonghwan, Chairman of the Small Enterprise and Market Service, were screened.

Assemblyman Yoon Junbyung said in his congratulatory speech, “Looking at the THE Good Gochang Project, it is evident that the author has carefully studied Gochang for a year with great dedication,” and added, “During his 32 years of public service, Shim Deokseop, who has done his best to secure budgets for Gochang and received the Gochang Citizen’s Award for Devotion and the Proud Gochang Person Award, I hope and support that the Gochang he dreams of will come true.”

Former Deputy Director Shim Deokseop said, “I will forever remember the gratitude for those who attended to encourage me as I start anew in Gochang while adhering to quarantine rules even amid the COVID-19 situation.”

He continued, “I will continue my efforts to make Gochang a place where tradition and modern values harmonize in a clean environment, where agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and future industries prosper together, where society thrives healthily, and where young people return to a bigger and better Gochang,” adding, “I ask for your many supports.”

The book is composed of Chapter 1: My Life, My Work; Chapter 2: Returning to My Hometown Gochang; and Chapter 3: My Policy Stories.

It contains stories of his growth process and public service life, including attending middle school wearing a uniform borrowed from his cousin due to family financial difficulties, continuing his studies with the help of the local community and school, and his vision for his hometown Gochang.

Shim Deokseop, former Deputy Director of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, graduated from Seokgok Elementary School, Yeongseon Middle School, Gochang High School, and Seoul National University’s Department of English Education. He then completed graduate studies at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Administration and earned a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Birmingham in the UK.

After passing the 30th Administrative Examination, he held key central government positions including Senior Administrative Officer at the Blue House, Vice Governor of Jeonbuk Province, Director-General of Government Organization and Local Administration at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and Chairman of the Gambling Industry Supervisory Commission.

Last year, he served as Chairman of the ‘Noeul Bridge Construction Special Committee’ of the Democratic Party (Jeonbuk Provincial Party), contributing to the inclusion of the Noeul Bridge construction in the national plan in October.

Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil gjg7070@asiae.co.kr