Mayor Shim Kyu-eon of Donghae Urges Civil Servants to Embrace 'Suchojeokju' and Take Ownership Wherever They Serve

Donghae City Holds 2026 Appointment Ceremony for Civil Servants

Shim Kyu-eon, mayor of Donghae City, referenced the spirit of 'Suchojeokju (隨處作主)' during the appointment ceremony for newly appointed and promoted civil servants following the 2026 opening ceremony.

Shim Kyu-eon, mayor of Donghae City, is holding a ceremony for new appointee public officials and promotion personnel appointments after the 2026 opening ceremony. Provided by Donghae City

Mayor Shim explained, "'Suchojeokju' means that wherever you are and whatever role you take on, you should become the master of your position." He emphasized, "For public officials, what matters is not the size or importance of your rank or post, but how independently you make decisions and how responsibly you act in your given position."

In particular, he advised newly appointed civil servants, "Rather than simply waiting for instructions in a new role or unfamiliar organizational culture, I hope you will become public officials who learn, ask questions, think for yourselves, and grow."

To those who were promoted or transferred, he addressed the changes in their positions and work environments, saying, "Return to your original mindset and become the owner of your new department."

He further stated, "A promotion is not a reward but an expansion of responsibility, and a transfer is not a break but a process of understanding the entirety of Donghae City." He encouraged them to "connect the organization and guide your juniors based on your accumulated experience."

Additionally, he emphasized, "Donghae City is an organization that must find answers closest to the lives of its citizens amid a rapidly changing administrative environment." He urged, "Public officials should focus on substance over formality and think from the citizens' perspective rather than relying on established practices."

Shim Kyu-eon, mayor of Donghae City, is holding a ceremony for new appointee public officials and promotion personnel appointments after the 2026 opening ceremony. Provided by Donghae City

In closing, the mayor said, "Wherever you work and whatever duties you are assigned, I ask that you approach your tasks not with the mindset of 'this is not my job,' but with a sense of personal responsibility." He continued, "With the attitude of 'Suchojeokju,' I hope each of you will build trust in Donghae City's administration from your respective positions."

Donghae City plans to use this year's opening ceremony as an opportunity to continuously strengthen education and communication, supporting the smooth organizational adaptation of newly appointed civil servants and the responsible administration of those who have been promoted or transferred.