Daegu Embraces Pohang... Daegu Pohang Alumni Association Launches New Leadership

Kim Seokjong Steps Down, Choi Taewon Inaugurated
Commitment to Exchange and Intergenerational Expansion at the General Meeting
Concluded with Congratulations from Mayor Lee Kangdeok and Other Dignitaries

The 2026 (Byeong-o Year) Regular General Meeting and Inauguration and Retirement Ceremony of the Daegu Pohang Alumni Association was held on January 16 at the Laonjena Hotel in Daegu, on the 6th floor in the Les Cit?s Hall. The event strengthened the bonds among members and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate for the development of their hometown.

The 'Power of Pohang' Reunited in Daegu: New Beginning for the Daegu Pohang Alumni Association Photo by Byunggeon Kwon

Over 500 people attended the event, including Kim Seokjong, the 7th Chairman, Choi Taewon, the 8th Chairman, Lee Kangdeok, Mayor of Pohang, Kim Ilman, Chairman of Pohang City Council, Lee Donghwan, President of the Daegu Gyeongbuk Residents Association, Kim Jeonggi, Acting Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City, National Assemblyman Chu Kyungho (Dalseong-gun, Daegu), Lee Taehun, Mayor of Dalseo-gu, and other key figures from politics, government, the alumni association, and its members.

In his farewell address, Kim Seokjong, the 7th Chairman, expressed his gratitude, saying, "The Daegu Pohang Alumni Association has been more than just a social gathering; it has served as a platform of the heart that has preserved the name of Pohang, our hometown. We have come this far thanks to the love for our hometown shown by all the members who have been with us."

He continued, "I hope the alumni association will take deeper root in Daegu and grow as a community that supports the future of Pohang together," expressing his support for the new executive team.

Choi Taewon, the newly inaugurated 8th Chairman, stated, "The alumni association must become an 'expansive network' that connects generations and regions, beyond simply being a group that misses its hometown. I will strengthen communication among members and expand participation to younger alumni, creating a sustainable association."

“Hometown is Pohang, Stage is Daegu” Chairman Inauguration of the Daegu Pohang Alumni Association Photo by Byeonggeon Kwon

He also emphasized, "I will broaden the scope of exchanges between Daegu and Pohang, laying the foundation for the alumni association to grow together with the local community."

Lee Kangdeok, Mayor of Pohang, said in his congratulatory address, "The solidarity of Pohang natives active in Daegu is a strong driving force for Pohang's development. The support from the alumni association is what turns the city's future strategies into reality."

He added, "The city will continue to do its utmost to ensure Pohang achieves balanced progress in industry, culture, and living conditions without wavering."

Kim Ilman, Chairman of Pohang City Council, remarked, "The unity of the alumni association is a symbol that elevates the dignity of the region and demonstrates the strength of the community. The Pohang City Council will also contribute to regional development through legislative activities that meet the expectations of citizens and alumni."

Lee Donghwan, President of the Daegu Gyeongbuk Residents Association, stated, "The Daegu Pohang Alumni Association is a solid central pillar of the Gyeongbuk alumni community. As the hearts for our hometown come together to open the future of the region, our association will continue to actively cooperate at the residents' association level."

Kim Jeonggi, Acting Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City, said, "The alumni association is a private platform that not only preserves regional identity but also expands intercity exchanges. Daegu City will support and work together so that a healthy local community can grow."

National Assemblyman Chu Kyungho stated, "The solidarity and unity shown by the alumni association translate into the region's competitiveness. I will do my part in the National Assembly to ensure Daegu and Pohang can prosper together."

Lee Taehun, Mayor of Dalseo-gu, congratulated the association, saying, "The active activities of the Daegu Pohang Alumni Association bring vitality to the local community. I hope this new beginning leads to even greater progress and unity."

With the expansion of exchanges, one member who attended the event said, "Even though I live in Daegu, I always feel connected to Pohang thanks to the alumni association. With the launch of the new executive team, I look forward to more active communication and exchanges."

Declaration of the Hyangwoo Network Connecting Generations Strengthened Through the Regular General Meeting Photo by Byunghun Kwon

With this regular general meeting and inauguration and retirement ceremony, the Daegu Pohang Alumni Association plans to further strengthen member solidarity, accelerate the expansion of exchange and cooperation between Daegu and Pohang, and actively build an intergenerational alumni network.

Whenever people who have left their hometown gather again, the 'future of the region' is always present. The inauguration and retirement ceremony of the Daegu Pohang Alumni Association was not just a generational change, but a moment when the private network connecting Pohang and Daegu took a step forward in its expansion.