Sang-il Lee, Mayor of Yongin, "Do Not Fear Failure, Challenge for Change and Innovation"

Special Lecture at Calvin University on the Topic of 'Qualities of a Leader'

Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin City, Gyeonggi Province, gave a special lecture on the 5th at the Calvin University auditorium in Mabuk-dong, Giheung-gu, titled 'ESG Innovator (IN) Regional Community.'

Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin City, is giving a lecture at the 'ESG Innovative Local Community' special invited lecture held at Calvin University's auditorium.
[Photo by Yongin City]

Mayor Lee addressed students and faculty members on the theme 'The Qualities of a Leader ? Imagine, Challenge, and Create,' introducing the virtues a leader should possess and the pitfalls to avoid through historical figures, events, and artworks.

In his lecture, Mayor Lee stated, "When managing city affairs as mayor, I commit to exercising observation and imagination, and to making efforts and attempts to turn imagination into reality," adding, "I believe that change and innovation can be achieved through such attempts." He also urged, "I hope students will not fear failure but continuously imagine and challenge themselves to grow into excellent leaders."

He cited examples such as Genghis Khan, who built the Eurasian nomadic empire with an army of 100,000 in less than 20 years through open leadership; Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who united the hearts of soldiers and civilians to win battles; British Admiral Horatio Nelson, who won the Battle of Trafalgar with new tactics and training; and Hannibal, the Carthaginian general who terrified Rome by crossing the Alps with an unconventional strategy.

Mayor Lee also introduced the Munich Agreement signed in September 1938, one year before the outbreak of World War II, between the United Kingdom, France, and Nazi Germany, noting, "When a leader makes a wrong judgment, it can sometimes lead to disastrous consequences."

He said, "In the Antarctic sea, when penguins hesitate to jump into the water because of fear of sea leopards and other predators, the penguin that overcomes fear and jumps in first is called the 'First Penguin.' I hope that you students will play a role like the First Penguin and pioneer the future of our country."