Sejong Mayor Minho Choi Takes Medical Leave for Overwork... Focusing on Treatment

Accumulated Work Stress Behind Achievements in Attracting International Events and Securing National Funding
Mayor Minho Choi Focuses on Recovery After Overwork

Minho Choi, Mayor of Sejong Special Self-Governing City.

Minho Choi, Mayor of Sejong City, is reportedly receiving treatment for overwork sustained while performing his official duties. On September 4, Mayor Choi took a medical leave and was unable to report to work. According to officials, this decision was made based on the recommendation of medical staff that he should rest.

According to the mayor's office, over the past three years, Mayor Choi has achieved notable results in securing national funding and attracting international events such as the International Garden City Expo and the World University Summer Games. He has also worked tirelessly with the Presidential Office, the National Assembly, and central government ministries to ensure the successful hosting of the 2027 World University Summer Games and to complete the city’s most significant task: establishing Sejong as the administrative capital.

There is also speculation that the mayor’s declining health may be due to work-related stress, particularly after a project collapsed and could not proceed further when local government funding was cut despite securing national funding, as the project required matching funds. Last year, Mayor Choi issued an appeal and staged a hunger strike to secure local government budget allocations. At that time, local lawmakers from the Democratic Party of Korea, which holds a majority, decided as a party policy to cut all local funding and opposed hosting the International Garden City Expo.

In addition, Mayor Choi has recently staged solo protests to highlight the unfairness of the government’s policy regarding the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. He has also been making daily trips to Seoul to secure national funding in an effort to overcome the city’s challenging financial situation.

An official from the mayor’s office stated, "He is receiving stable treatment and focusing on recovering his health," adding, "His strong determination and sense of responsibility for the citizens and the development of Sejong City remain unwavering."