Changwon Mayor Hong Nampyo: "Aiming to be a Northeast Asia Hub City, Will Work More Elegantly"

Achieving Results of 5 Major Administrative Strategies, Focusing on Community-Centered Projects

Stabilizing Ongoing Projects, Innovating Finance, Organization, and Administrative Work

"I will move like the wind that does not get caught in the net and work more elegantly."

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, expressed his New Year's aspirations at the 2025 New Year press conference held on the 9th.

Before announcing the direction of city administration this year, Mayor Hong analyzed, "The internal and external conditions are difficult due to leadership changes following the inauguration of the second Trump administration in the U.S., intensified competition in information and technology due to the 4th Industrial Revolution, climate crisis, domestic political instability, prolonged domestic demand slump, and population decline."

"In times like these, when crisis and opportunity are mixed, proactive and swift responses are important," he said. "Based on the administrative foundation we have built so far, we will respond promptly and strategically and operate the city administration without wavering."

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, is answering reporters' questions at the 2025 New Year press briefing. Photo by Lee Seryeong

He then promised ▲achieving results in the five major city administration strategies ▲focusing on region-specific, life-close projects ▲stabilizing ongoing projects such as the Ungdong District, liquefied hydrogen plant, and Masan Marine New City ▲and innovating finance, organization, and administrative work.

The five major city administration strategies are ▲building an innovative growth economic foundation to solve livelihood issues ▲creating a happy ecosystem with strengthened social safety nets and inclusive welfare ▲establishing a cultural environment befitting a city with a population of one million ▲restructuring the entire urban space ▲and realizing the dreams and hopes of youth.

In the subsequent Q&A session with reporters, Mayor Hong answered questions about future plans related to Jinhae New Port, allegations of Mr. Myung Taegyun's involvement in the site selection process for Changwon's 2nd National Industrial Complex, prospects for the defense and nuclear industries, responses to the collapse of the one million population, and financial management plans.

He said, "The role of Jinhae New Port will expand further in the future," adding, "To strengthen support for the hinterland city of Jinhae New Port, we will continue efforts to lift the development restriction zone in the hinterland area and support Jinhae New Port to play a significant role."

Regarding the site selection process for Changwon's 2nd National Industrial Complex, he responded, "Changwon City proceeded with the project rationally, and when sharing related information with local members of the National Assembly, I think it was maliciously exploited. Since it is under investigation, I believe the truth will be revealed."

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, is announcing the direction of city administration and promotion strategies for this year at the 2025 New Year's press conference. Photo by Lee Seryeong

He also strongly stated, "If the new nuclear power plant construction plan is reduced and the Czech nuclear power export is shaken, the future of the entire Republic of Korea will be bleak. Since defense and nuclear power, the main industries of Changwon, are related to the existence of the Republic of Korea, the Czech nuclear power export must be accomplished."

Mayor Hong diagnosed, "In a situation where the population of one million is collapsing, the core to keep young people in our Changwon will be jobs, housing, and culture."

"We will create a city where youth stay by developing industries centered on services and software instead of manufacturing, cooperating with universities to supply manpower suited to the times, resolving the male-dominated phenomenon by creating female-friendly jobs and conditions, providing affordable housing, and opening the Changwon Cultural Complex Center where music, culture, food, exhibitions, performances, experiences, and education are harmonized," he proposed.

He also said he would devise plans linked to life-close projects such as urban regeneration projects to promote and expand food culture, including restaurants, not only jobs, places to stay, and things to enjoy.

Regarding Changwon City's budget management, he said, "The actual available budget is not large, but I will manage the finances diligently by reducing unnecessary spending."

He added, "There have been cases where budgets were wasted due to indiscriminate promotion of projects that were not very helpful to the region, but we intend to drastically reduce these and improve fiscal soundness. We will induce private investment by utilizing budget management, shared property, and permit regulations, incorporate cost elements to make finances efficient, and boldly secure budgets."

Mayor Hong said, "City administration is like a marathon, and each section runner in the 7th, 8th, and 9th elected terms must run hard. Regardless of personal judicial risks, I will firmly take care of the city administration and run hard in the section I am responsible for."

He also said, "We will make this year a year of unstoppable leap and flight to make Changwon a central city in Northeast Asia," and "I hope everyone receives much energy from the Blue Snake and achieves all their goals."