Welcoming the First Sunrise of the Year with North Gyeongsang Leaders
"Hoping for a Year When Stalled Economy and Politics Finally Move Forward"
On the first day of the new year 2026, the year of Byeongo (Byeongo Year), former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Choi Kyunghwan visited Ulleungdo, the easternmost point of the country, officially launching his efforts for the "Re-leap of North Gyeongsang Province."
This visit was planned with the symbolic meaning of "awakening the morning of North Gyeongsang Province before anyone else," and is seen as an effort to reaffirm, on site, his commitment to overcoming the economic crisis in North Gyeongsang Province-a message he has recently emphasized in special lectures at Yeungnam University and elsewhere.
On January 1, former Deputy Prime Minister Choi welcomed the first sunrise of the new year at Jeodong Port in Ulleungdo, together with around 20 regional leaders from North Gyeongsang Province.
Greeting local residents at the site, Choi reaffirmed his determination for the "Re-leap of North Gyeongsang Province," wishing for the revival of the region's struggling economy and greater unity among its people.
In his New Year's message, Choi stated, "I sincerely hope that 2026 will be the first year of hope, when the long-stalled economy and politics of North Gyeongsang Province will finally move forward."
He referred to the grave reality currently facing North Gyeongsang Province, including the risk of population decline and low fiscal independence, expressing his empathy for the hardships experienced by local residents.
Choi said, "I deeply understand the frustration that all of you are feeling more than anyone else," and added, "I hope that the new year will be filled only with good news that will help relieve the frustrations in your hearts."
He also proposed "on-site innovation" as the solution for regional development.
He emphasized, "For the engine of North Gyeongsang Province to run powerfully again, it is more important than ever to have innovation where the voices of the people on the ground directly shape policy," adding, "Throughout 2026, I will always stand by the local residents and do my utmost to ensure happiness for every household in the province."
Within the local political scene, Choi's visit to Ulleungdo on the very first day of the new year is being interpreted as a signal of his active steps toward revitalizing the regional economy and expanding his political role in the future.
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