"Finding Answers Among the Residents"... Kang Younggu, Chairman of Yecheon County Council, Opens the Future Through Communication and Field Engagement

People-Centered Legislation
Balanced Development of the New Provincial Town and Old Downtown
Realizing a Livable Yecheon

"The council must be closest to the lives of the residents. True change begins when we seek answers on the ground and immerse ourselves among the people,"

Kang Younggu, chairman of Yecheon County Council, shared these reflections on the first anniversary of his tenure. With "people-centered legislative activity" as his motto, he has emphasized field-oriented leadership that transforms the smallest voices of residents into policy, continuing his tireless efforts.

View of Yecheon County Council in Gyeongbuk. Photo by Kwon Byunggeon

◆ "People-Centered Legislation... The Residents Hold the Answers"

Chairman Kang stated, "The past year has been about fulfilling promises to the residents and seeking solutions on the ground. True change starts by immersing ourselves among the people. When we listen to the voices of the residents and reflect them in administration, the region comes alive."

His philosophy is rooted in the belief that "the council only has meaning when it enters the lives of the residents."

He has focused on implementing policies that residents can truly feel, such as improving the living environment through urban regeneration and underground power line projects in the old downtown, and expanding educational and childcare support in the new provincial government town.

◆ "Sharp Oversight, Sincere Cooperation"

The essence of the council lies in sound oversight and balance over administration. Chairman Kang said, "We must approach budget reviews and administrative audits with strict standards, but under the common goal of regional development, we must work with the executive branch with sincerity."

To this end, Yecheon County Council operates regular policy meetings with the executive branch, raising the quality of policies through advance discussions and coordination of differing opinions on major issues.

Kang Younggu, chairman of Yecheon County Council, is being interviewed by a reporter from Asia Economy.

◆ "Turning Small Voices into Policy... Building Trust on the Ground"

One of the most representative examples of field-oriented legislation cited by Chairman Kang is the enactment of the ordinance for free city bus rides. "After directly confirming the transportation inconveniences faced by rural residents, I immediately reflected these issues in the ordinance and budget review," he said. "Currently, free bus service is available for residents aged 70 and over."

However, he emphasized the need to gradually expand free service for all in accordance with the intent of the ordinance.

He also stated, "The process of systematically resolving residents' inconveniences on the ground-such as renovating aging village halls and addressing transportation issues in rural communities-is the most certain way to build trust in the council."

◆ "Overcoming Population Decline, Preparing for Yecheon’s Leap in the New Airport Era"

Yecheon County is facing the serious challenges of population decline and potential regional extinction. On this, Chairman Kang said, "The council is prioritizing the issue of population decline and preparing response strategies."

He has laid the foundation for youth settlement by improving educational and childcare support in the new provincial government town and enacting ordinances to support youth entrepreneurship. He also proposed sustainable regional revitalization models such as expanding infrastructure for returning farmers and rural migrants, smart agriculture, the insect industry, and cultural tourism industry development.

He further stressed, "Especially in the new airport era, we must rebuild transportation infrastructure. We will complete a premium new town by including the provincial government town-Mungyeong railway line in the national rail network, relocating public institutions, and attracting a national medical school and a top-tier general hospital."

Regarding revitalizing the old downtown through sports and tourism, he said, "We will turn the 2026 Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Festival into a venue for community unity and make Yecheon a 'city people want to visit' by creating regional landmarks and expanding accommodation infrastructure."

◆ "An Open Council, Listening Legislation, Active Council Members"

Chairman Kang's vision for the future of Yecheon County Council is "an open council, listening legislation, and active council members." He emphasized, "Any resident should be able to visit the council at any time and make their voice heard. Each council member must have a sense of duty as a representative of the residents, and we will build a trustworthy council through active engagement on the ground."

He particularly noted, "By fostering respect and consideration among council members, we will unite as one council and establish a model that earns the trust of the residents."

◆ "Immersing Ourselves Among the Residents to Build Hope for Yecheon"

Chairman Kang delivered the following message to the residents:

"The future of Yecheon begins with even the smallest voice of a resident. The council is always open, always listening, and ready to act together. I will never lose my original intent and will continue to work tirelessly alongside the residents to make Yecheon a place full of humanity and worth living in."

Kang Younggu is leading change in Yecheon through "legislation that immerses itself among the residents."

His motto, "Sharp Oversight, Sincere Cooperation," is not just a slogan but a principle of leadership practiced on the ground.

The new leap forward for Yecheon County Council is beginning with this "legislation of communication and sincerity."