Special Lecture by Dr. Eunyoung Oh
"The Power of Words: Transforming Organizations and Communities"
Expanding New Growth Foundations Linked to Daegu-Gyeongbuk New Airport
Completing Achievements with Residents in the Remaining Term
Uiseong County in North Gyeongsang Province (Governor Kim Jusu) held a regular assembly on July 1 at the Uiseong Culture Center, attended by approximately 700 public officials. The event served as an opportunity to review the county's recent achievements and to present directions for future development.
This assembly was a meaningful occasion to reflect on Governor Kim Jusu’s 11 years of county administration from the 6th to the 8th popularly elected terms. A variety of programs were prepared to strengthen internal cohesion among public officials and to redefine the organizational culture.
During the event, an award ceremony was held to recognize those who contributed to this year's large-scale wildfire response. This was followed by a special lecture from Dr. Eunyoung Oh, a psychiatrist and renowned communication expert, which drew significant attention.
In her lecture titled "Wounds Begin with Words, and Healing Also Begins with Words," Dr. Oh emphasized that "words can both hurt and heal a person's heart." She stressed the importance of conflict resolution and communication within the public sector.
Dr. Oh stated, "Empathy is not an instinct but a skill that can be acquired through practice and training." She presented practical conversation techniques and skills for empathy to help restore trust within organizations. During the subsequent Q&A session, she offered valuable advice on real-life concerns faced by public officials, which was met with an enthusiastic response from the attendees.
Governor Kim Jusu remarked, "The public sector must first establish a culture of communication and empathy within its organizations in order to restore trust with the local community and residents. I hope this special lecture will serve as a catalyst for real change within the Uiseong County public sector."
Meanwhile, Governor Kim personally introduced the major achievements accomplished together with the county’s residents over the past 11 years since the start of his 6th term during the regular assembly.
Uiseong County has produced diverse achievements in fostering future industries and improving quality of life, including: the development of a supporting city for the integrated Daegu-Gyeongbuk New Airport; attracting a national anti-drone training center and being designated as a drone demonstration city; establishing a foundation for the cell culture materials industry; operating the nation’s first integrated care pilot model; expanding infrastructure to support youth settlement; and developing tourism resources designed for longer stays.
Notably, the county’s strategies?such as securing new growth engines linked to the Daegu-Gyeongbuk New Airport project, diversifying policies to attract youth, and implementing balanced development initiatives across welfare, healthcare, agriculture, and tourism?have drawn attention from the central government as well as other local governments.
Governor Kim stated, "These achievements are the result of the efforts of both our residents and public officials. During the remainder of my term, I will do my utmost to successfully complete ongoing projects and to open a sustainable future for Uiseong."
Uiseong County plans to use this regular assembly as a springboard to further strengthen communication and unity both inside and outside the administration, to promote action-oriented policies, and to accelerate 'changes that residents can truly feel' by earning greater trust and empathy from the local community.
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