Former Cheong Administrative Officer Choi Chi-hyun's Book Launch Event Successfully Held with Over 5,000 Attendees

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong and Local Political Figures Gather in Large Numbers

Democratic Party Leader Lee Jae-myung and Floor Leader Hong Ik-pyo Send Congratulatory Videos

Marathoner Lee Bong-ju Draws Attention... Introduced as Longtime Fri

The book launch event for "A Grain of Justice Changes the World," authored by Chihyun Choi (Chairman of the nonprofit organization ‘Hamkke; Majung’) and former Blue House administrator under the Moon Jae-in administration, was successfully concluded.

The book offers insight into the worldview and communication approach of Choi as a person. It is a collection of handwritten notes, featuring short reflections written in Choi’s own handwriting style called Gombaechae, which he developed while communicating with the world and engraving words and phrases close to his heart. Choi’s hobby is calligraphy.

The book launch event held on the afternoon of the 2nd at the Cooperative Hall of Nambu University was attended by over 5,000 people, including Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung, National Assembly members Song Gap-seok and Yoon Young-duk, Gwangju City Council Chairman Jeong Moo-chang, various city and district council members, political figures from the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions, representatives from civic groups such as the May Mothers’ Association, the Bereaved Families Association, and the Atomic Bomb Victims Association, as well as acquaintances and citizens who cherish him.

The event was noted for reaffirming Choi’s broad and strong network, as not only political figures but also many representatives from civic organizations like the May Mothers’ Association participated in large numbers.

Hosted by broadcaster Kwak Gwi-geun, the event opened with a pre-performance by the male vocal group ‘Cross Four Men.’ Following this, the band ‘Prologue,’ led by singer-songwriter Choi Seong-sik, performed a poem titled “Between People ? To Chihyun,” written by poet Shin Dong-ho, who was a speech secretary to President Moon Jae-in, expressing affection for Choi. Poet Kwon Mi-kang recited the poem, enhancing the atmosphere.

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung, who worked alongside Choi at the Blue House, spoke about his impressions and highlighted Choi’s dedication to uncovering the truth about martyr Kim Jun-bae from his youth, burning his passion for justice.

Mayor Kang said, “Politics cannot be done with just skills or techniques. People like Chihyun Choi, who have a human touch, must engage in politics,” adding, “I ask him to become a grain of justice and use his determined perseverance to contribute to the development of the Gwangju region.”

Those who could not attend the event sent videos and messages to speak about Choi and congratulate the book launch.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, conveyed in a congratulatory message, “I support former administrator Choi’s efforts to seek ‘justice’ for politics that carefully cares for even unseen places and politics for ‘us’ rather than ‘me,’ hoping it will be used for a greater tomorrow beyond an era of frustration and despair.”

Hong Ik-pyo, floor leader of the Democratic Party, also stated, “Former administrator Chihyun Choi dreams of politics that wipes away the tears of the people,” and added, “This book well captures the warm side of Choi as a human and his vision for a society where everyone can live happily together.”

Additionally, congratulatory videos were sent by former Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee, Lim Jong-seok, the first Chief of Staff to President Moon Jae-in, Kim Geo-seong, former Senior Secretary for Civil Society at the Blue House, Hwang Gi-cheol, former Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and hero of the Aden crisis, as well as National Assembly members Ko Min-jung, Woo Sang-ho, Wi Seong-gon, singer Jin Simon, Green Zone’s Kwak Chang-seon, actor Baek Bong-gi, and Yoon Seo-hyun.

Notably, national marathoner Lee Bong-ju graced the event, drawing attention. Lee shared a special story about becoming friends with the late Choi Yo-sam, a world champion who passed away in the ring, at his funeral.

He recounted his experience of falling during the Sydney Olympics but finishing the race with indomitable will, later winning a gold medal at the Boston Marathon. He said, “Marathon and politics are different but similar; no matter how difficult and tough it gets, it is important not to give up and to finish the race,” and offered heartfelt advice, “I hope the kind, warm, and good-hearted former administrator Choi completes his political journey to the end.”

The book launch also highlighted Choi’s well-known kindness. While serving as a policy advisor to the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Choi played a significant role in realizing the long-cherished project of establishing the Nuclear-Free World Peace Park for domestic atomic bomb victims. Lee Gyu-yeol, president of the Korean Atomic Bomb Victims Association, personally presented him with a plaque of appreciation.

Meanwhile, Choi has broadened his experience through active involvement in regional democratic and social organizations, local governments, the Blue House, and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. Leading the younger generation of politicians by overcoming current crises with the spirit of Gwangju and drawing future blueprints, he plans to run for the Gwangsan (Eul) constituency in the 22nd National Assembly election next year.

He studied at Gwangju University and Korea University and has worked as president of the student council at Gwangju University and secretary-general of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Conscience Prisoners Support Association, engaging in unification and human rights activism within the progressive camp. He served as director of the Open Civil Complaints Office in Gwangsan District during the 5th and 6th local government terms, Blue House administrator under the Moon Jae-in government, policy advisor to the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and political special advisor directly under presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung. He has earned a reputation as an expert in mediating and resolving various social conflicts including labor and environmental issues.

Recognized as a leading figure of the 1970s generation who grew from the local level and proved his capabilities in national government and central ministries, he has served as director of the Together Gwangju Research Institute and vice-chairman of the Democratic Party’s Strategic Planning Committee. Currently, he is vice-chairman of the Democratic Party’s Gwangju Metropolitan City branch, actively continuing his work in the local community to accompany and empathize with residents.