Former Changwon Deputy Mayor Hyun Kyu Lee's Book Launch Attracts Over 1,300 Attendees

Autobiography "If You Are Earnest, You Will Achieve"

The book launch event for the autobiography of Hyun Kyu Lee, former Deputy Mayor of Changwon City, titled "If You Are Earnest, You Will Achieve," was successfully held at the Changwon Moonseong University Convention Hall.

The event, which took place on December 13, was attended by more than 1,300 guests. It began with a pre-event performance and included a meeting with the author, a book talk, the national ceremony, introductions of distinguished guests, a greeting from the author, congratulatory speeches, and attendee performances. According to Hyun Kyu Lee’s team, the event was a meaningful occasion to share the former deputy mayor’s life and philosophy.

Citizens attending the book launch event of Hyun Kyu Lee, former Deputy Mayor of Changwon City, are participating in the national ceremony.

The autobiography "If You Are Earnest, You Will Achieve" is an honest account of a young man who grew up in a rural village, overcame setbacks and failures, and rose again to walk the path of a public servant.

In the book, the author recounts the trial and error of his early days in public service, his studies at a Buddhist temple, passing the civil service exam, and his journey through positions such as Director of Social Environment in Masan City, Deputy Governor of Haman County, Director of Health and Welfare for Gyeongsangnam-do, Secretary General of the Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Council, and Second Deputy Mayor of Changwon City.

During the book talk, former Deputy Mayor Lee stated, "Looking back, it was 'earnestness' that drove me at every important moment in my life," adding, "This book is a record of my life, written in the hope that it will offer a bit of courage to those still searching for their path."

He further emphasized, "Earnestness is not just a simple wish, but the driving force that moves life into action."

Several recommendation speeches were also delivered at the event. Park Hyunseo, Ph.D. in engineering from KAIST and Executive Research Committee Member of the Gyeongnam Ultra-Large Manufacturing AI Project Group, stated in his recommendation, "Former Deputy Mayor Hyun Kyu Lee is someone who has embodied Toynbee’s concept of 'response to challenge' in his life. His attitude of constantly taking on new fields without settling for stability serves as a model for many."

Performances by the attendees.

Cho Soonja, Director of the Gagok Transmission Center and recipient of the Order of Culture Merit (Hwagwan Medal), said in her recommendation, "He is an administrator who has personally shown that administration can embrace both art and people. His warm perspective and sense of responsibility toward the region and cultural arts are evident throughout this book."

At the end of the book, former Deputy Mayor Lee also expressed his gratitude to his hometown and family. In particular, he wrote, "The hometown I once so desperately wanted to leave ultimately became the root that helped me stand up again," and dedicated the book to his wife, who silently stood by his side.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Mayor Hyun Kyu Lee is currently serving as an advisor to the Korea-China AI Exchange Association, continuing his studies and exchanges in future industries such as ultra-large AI, digital free trade zones, and physical AI. He said, "Although the position is unpaid and comes without compensation, I am happy to contribute if it helps the development of the local community."

Finally, two congratulatory speeches were delivered by those who have always supported him. Shin Hoebeom, President of the Gyeongnam Senior Citizens Association and former Deputy Mayor of Changwon City, as well as Vice Mayor Cho Youngpa, who served as Vice Mayor of both Masan and Changwon, shared their personal reflections and generous advice based on their close observations over the years.

Attendees commented that "the book goes beyond a personal success story, capturing a life of failure and recovery," and said, "It is a book that resonates not only with public servants, but also with young people and all citizens." The book launch event concluded in an atmosphere of applause and encouragement, and "If You Are Earnest, You Will Achieve" will be available to readers at local bookstores and online in the future.