Former Jinju Deputy Mayor Cha Seokho Holds Book Launch in Haman, Announces Candidacy for Haman County Governor

"A Time to Soar with Hope,
Taking Bold Steps Toward Haman's Next 100 Years"

Cha Seokho, former Deputy Mayor of Jinju, Gyeongnam, recently held a publication celebration for his book, "People Make the Path, Administration Widens It," at Haman Gymnasium, officially announcing his candidacy for Haman County Governor.

The publication event was attended by Jo Kyuil, Mayor of Jinju; Jin Seokgyu, former Haman County Governor; Jo Injae, Gyeongnam Provincial Assemblyman; Jeon Ho Hwan, former President of Pusan National University; Hong Deoksoo, former President of Gyeongnam Provincial University; Hyangrok, Chief Administrator Monk of Haeinsa Temple; Cha Chaeyong, former Director of Haman County Cultural Center; and other prominent figures from the local political, governmental, educational, and religious communities.

Chaseokho, former Deputy Mayor of Jinju, Gyeongnam, at the book talk concert. Photo by Jo Soo-eun

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam; Park Jaewan, former Minister of Strategy and Finance; Kim Taeho, Park Sangwoong, Seo Iljun, Yoon Sanghyun, and Yoon Hanhong, all members of the People Power Party, sent congratulatory wreaths and video messages. Seong Nakin, County Governor of Changnyeong; Oh Taewan, County Governor of Uiryeong; Jin Byeongyeong, County Governor of Hamyang; Jo Geunje, County Governor of Haman; and Ha Seungcheol, County Governor of Hadong, sent congratulatory letters.

In his congratulatory address, Jo Kyuil, Mayor of Jinju, stated, "Former Deputy Mayor Cha's journey in public service has elevated administration from mere 'management' to the realm of 'problem-solving.' His experience in understanding the field, designing budgets, and implementing policies is thoroughly reflected in his book. This record is not just the career of a public official, but proof of a leader prepared to take responsibility for the region's future."

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In his congratulatory remarks, Hong Deoksoo, former President of Gyeongnam Provincial University, emphasized, "The author has built trust through diligent and principled administration, from his early days as a Grade 7 civil servant to his time as a director. He is someone who always prioritizes the field and people, valuing responsibility for the process over mere results."

Former Deputy Mayor Cha was born in Haman and attended elementary, middle, and high school there. He later graduated from Gyeongsang National University with a degree in horticulture, completed a master's program at Pusan National University's Graduate School of Public Administration, and finished doctoral coursework in public administration at Inje University Graduate School.

He began his public service career in 1992 after passing the Grade 7 local civil service exam, and has worked across Gyeongnam Province and various cities and counties, gaining experience in education, the economy, regional development, culture and tourism, and urban administration. In particular, during his tenure as Deputy Mayor of Jinju, he was recognized for implementing "citizen-centered administration."

Cha Seokho, former Deputy Mayor of Jinju, Gyeongnam, at the book talk concert. Photo by Soeun Joo

In his book, he candidly shares his experiences from his childhood in Haman to his 33-year career in public service, as well as his vision for the next century of Haman's future.

At the book talk concert, he explained the motivation behind writing the book, saying, "At some point, I realized that if I just kept living this way, I wouldn't be able to explain to myself how I got here or what I was thinking. That's why I decided to keep a record, and that record became a book."

He also said that the most memorable aspect of his 33-year public service career was "trust" rather than "achievements." He explained, "The words 'I just trusted and relied on you' linger the longest," emphasizing that administrative outcomes are not just about numbers.

Former Deputy Mayor Cha stated, "People are the ones who first make the path, and administration widens it from behind. Rather than giving orders from the front, administration should play the role of supporting from behind. That is the kind of administration I believe in."

He went on to say, "The future we dream of for Haman should go beyond being merely 'a good place to live' to becoming 'a place people want to live,' and ultimately 'a city no one wants to leave.' To achieve this, now is the time to gather all our capabilities and wisdom and take bold steps toward Haman's next 100 years, soaring with hope." With these words, he marked the beginning of his "second act in life" in his hometown of Haman.