Pohang's Promise in the Year of the Red Horse: "The City Thrives When Citizens Smile"

Pledging a "Greater Leap Forward" That Citizens Can Truly Feel with the Drive of the Red Horse
Mayor Lee Kangdeok: "We Will Continue to Find Opportunities in Crisis and Carry Our Achievements Through to the End"

Pohang City held the "2026 New Year's Ceremony" on January 2 at the Pohang Culture and Arts Center, pledging to create changes and hope that citizens can truly feel, and marking a strong start to the city's administration in the new year.

Pohang City held the "2026 Opening Ceremony" on the 2nd at the Pohang Culture and Arts Center. Photo by Pohang City

The event was organized as a substantial ceremony that avoided excessive production, focusing instead on strengthening organizational unity and building consensus. Over 800 employees from all departments attended, participating in symbolic performances and all-staff programs to share the new year's vision and administrative goals.

The ceremony began with a prelude performance by the city symphony orchestra, followed by the national pledge and a reading of the civil servant charter by newly appointed officials. Next, Mayor Lee Kangdeok delivered a New Year's address, outlining the direction and key tasks for city administration in 2026.

The highlight of the day was the media drum performance titled "Pohang's New Year, the First Promise to Citizens." Using an LED media book, the performance symbolically expressed the city's ambitions for the new year, promises to its citizens, and a message of a leap forward into 2026, resonating with the staff.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok personally participated in this performance, completing the message of "Greater Leap Forward" together with the staff. This created a meaningful moment, reaffirming the commitment to successfully achieving the city's major goals.

In addition, during the all-staff New Year's pledge performance, employees shared their resolutions for the year through a card section and group chants, further strengthening organizational unity. The ceremony concluded with all staff exchanging New Year's greetings and sharing traditional rice cakes.

In his New Year's address, Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "The 'Pohang Model,' which has found opportunities and achieved results even in times of crisis, is a clear leading example. The changes and growth in Pohang begin with the dedication of public officials who quietly fulfill their responsibilities on the ground."

He added, "Although today marks the last New Year's ceremony of my term with you, the end does not mean it is truly over. In 2026, with the passion and drive of the 'Red Horse,' I will continue the journey toward greater progress for Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, and Korea together with all of you until the very end."