Becoming One Again Under the Name of 'Hometown'

Daegu Yecheon County Residents Association New Year’s Gathering
Discussing Yecheon’s Future Through the Power of Solidarity

In an era when the disappearance of local communities and regional disparities have become entrenched structural issues, hometown associations are no longer just gatherings that reminisce about the past.

They serve as 'informal networks' that connect people and information, expanding the potential of their regions outward, and are another pillar supporting local competitiveness. The New Year’s gathering of the Daegu Yecheon County Residents Association was a symbolic scene that demonstrated what role such hometown organizations can play amid these changing times.

The hometown association still serves as a "community of sentiment" while also demonstrating itself as a practical network for sharing regional information and seeking directions. Photo by Byunggeon Kwon

On the afternoon of January 14, the Daegu Yecheon County Residents Association held its 2026 New Year’s gathering at the Wedding Vienna Convention Hall in Daegu, where members shared the direction of the hometown community for the new year and the future vision for Yecheon.

This event was attended by Jung Hawoong, President of the Daegu Yecheon County Residents Association; Lee Donghwan, President of the Daegu Gyeongbuk Residents Association; Kim Hakdong, Mayor of Yecheon County; Kang Younggu, Chairman of the Yecheon County Council; Kim Bumil, former Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City; as well as political, administrative, and hometown figures and about 500 members, making it a great success.

This event went beyond a simple New Year’s greeting, raising the question of what role the hometown community can play in regional development. The sight of Yecheon natives who are active in the metropolitan city of Daegu gathering to discuss the present and future of their hometown also reflects how regional identity is maintained and expanded even after population movement.

In his New Year’s address, President Jung Hawoong stated, "The Daegu Yecheon County Residents Association has long been a community that supports each other's lives through our shared hometown," and added, "In 2026, we will create an association that takes a step forward with more open communication and practical solidarity, transcending generations and professions." This can be interpreted as a declaration to move beyond a friendship-oriented association toward an organization with clear roles and responsibilities.

From the left, Lee Donghwan, President of the Daegu Gyeongbuk Residents Association, Kim Hakdong, Mayor of Yecheon County, Jung Haung, President of the Daegu Yecheon County Residents Association, and Kim Bumil, former Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City, are making a toast. Photo by Kwon Byunggun

In his congratulatory remarks, President Lee Donghwan highly praised the cohesion of the Yecheon hometown community and mentioned the potential for broader regional alliances. He emphasized, "The Daegu Yecheon County Residents Association demonstrates an exemplary culture of solidarity among Gyeongbuk hometown organizations," and added, "Cooperation among hometown associations will become an important foundation for the joint growth of the region and our hometown."

Mayor Kim Hakdong’s remarks clearly outlined the relationship between administration and the hometown community. He said, "Yecheon is entering a new phase of growth centered around the provincial government’s new town," and added, "The interest and advice of hometown members who support us from afar are a crucial driving force for county administration." This shows that the hometown community is recognized not just as an 'external support group' but as a collaborative partner in local governance.

Kang Younggu, Chairman of the Yecheon County Council, clarified the council’s role. He stated, "Sustainable development in Yecheon is possible only when the administration, the council, and the hometown community work together," and added, "The county council will serve as a bridge, faithfully reflecting the voices of residents and hometown members in our policies and systems." This message underlines the intention to incorporate the opinions of the hometown community into local politics.

In his message of encouragement, former Daegu Mayor Kim Bumil highlighted the social presence of hometown members. He said, "The very fact that so many people from Yecheon have gathered here demonstrates the strength of this association," and added, "Yecheon natives have built trust throughout Daegu society, and this is an important asset for expanding the value of our hometown."

The scene of discussing tomorrow also reflects how regional identity is maintained and expanded even after population movement. Photo by Byunggeon Kwon

Among the attendees, conversations about their hometown and current regional issues naturally took place. This demonstrates that the hometown association still serves as a 'community of sentiment' while also functioning as a practical network for sharing regional information and seeking direction.

This New Year’s gathering reaffirmed that the Daegu Yecheon County Residents Association is more than just an annual event; it now functions as a collective platform for contemplating Yecheon’s future together. When the commitment to never forget one’s hometown leads to solidarity, the hometown community becomes another driving force for regional growth.