Over 5,000 Gathered: Emphasizing Communication and Innovative Governance
On January 17 at 2:00 PM, Woosunghee, Mayor of Yeongam County, South Jeolla Province, held a book launch event for his publication, "Woosunghee's I Love Yeongam," at the Yeongam Indoor Gymnasium, where he presented his vision for an "Innovative Yeongam."
Even before the event began, the entrance to the gymnasium was crowded with people. Mayor Woo stood at the entrance, warmly greeting each guest with a handshake and eye contact, responding with a bright smile. His effort to shake hands with all of the approximately 5,000 visitors was a clear demonstration of his commitment to citizen-centered communication and governance.
At the book launch event, Woosunghee, Mayor of Yeongam County, and Park Jinsu, former Director of Naju Library, are taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Lee Jungkyung
The event was a great success, attended by National Assembly members Seo Samsuk and Min Hyeongbae, former National Assembly member Yoo Sunho, political and government officials, and local residents. The pre-event performances, featuring harmonica and gayageum music, heightened the festive atmosphere by blending Yeongam's traditions with modernity.
During the event, Mayor Woo emphasized that Yeongam is the starting point of Korean culture (K-Culture). He stated, "Yeongam is the heart of Mahan and the land where the DNA of creativity and innovation thrives, as seen in figures like Dr. Wangin, Monk Doseon, and Kim Changjo. Let us proclaim the value of Yeongam to the world."
In particular, Mayor Woo mentioned the 1,270th anniversary of Yeongam County's renaming in 2027, the 1,200th anniversary of Monk Doseon's birth, and the 40th anniversary of Wolchulsan National Park's designation in 2028. He proposed making 2027 to 2028 the "Years of Visiting Yeongam," turning them into a groundbreaking opportunity for regional development.
The event was a great success with the attendance of National Assembly members Seo Samsuk and Min Hyungbae, former National Assembly member Yoo Sunho, as well as political and government officials and local residents. Photo by Lee Jungkyung
The book details a specific "Yeongam-style Innovation Roadmap" being pursued by the 8th popularly elected Yeongam County administration. Through his book, Mayor Woo outlines six key initiatives, including: ▲ "Youth Settlement" through local youth projects and smart farms ▲ "Lifelong Care" via the county's first-ever integrated care task force ▲ "Local Circulation Economy" through the Wolchul Pay regional currency and Yeongam-style local economy, among others.
Mayor Woo, a native of Yeongam, gained hands-on policy experience during nearly ten years as a National Assembly aide. In 2014, he was elected as the youngest member of the South Jeolla Provincial Council, and in 2018, he was re-elected with the highest vote share in the council's history, serving as Chair of the Education Committee.
County Governor Woo Seunghee greeted with a smile while shaking hands with over 5,000 congratulatory guests at the event entrance. Photo by Lee Jungkyung
Mayor Woo confessed that writing the book was not easy amid his busy schedule. He said, "I am grateful to everyone who helped during the preparation process," and added, "I will repay you through better politics that create a better Yeongam."
He emphasized, "Staying in the past will only hold us back. We must ride the wave of artificial intelligence and energy transition in response to the climate crisis and the Fourth Industrial Revolution era."
He further stated, "Branding Yeongam's identity is not something I can do alone, but something to be achieved together with the residents. I will lead Yeongam's great transformation with new language and methods, and repay you by making Yeongam even greater."
One local resident who attended the event commented, "Seeing the specific policies Mayor Woo has implemented for Yeongam's development, I could truly feel the changes. Mayor Woo has earned the trust of residents by sincerely executing policies that meet their needs."
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