Joo Kwangdeok, Mayor of Namyangju, Holds Book Publication Event
Shares a “Journey of Sincerity” with Over 7,000 Citizens
“Mother’s Teachings Engraved in My Thirties” Form the Foundation of Four Years in Office
Three Communication Principles: “Promptness, Proactiveness, and Sincerity” Achieve Citizen Unity
Declares Leap Toward a One-Million Mega City through “Stepping Stone Administration”
Namyangju Mayor Joo Kwangdeok's book publication event for "Joo Kwangdeok's Sincerity, Turning Imagination into Reality" was successfully held on the 28th at the Namyangju Sports Complex Indoor Gymnasium, drawing around 7,000 citizens, according to the organizers.
Namyangju Mayor Joo Kwangdeok's book launch event for 'Joo Kwangdeok's Sincerity, Turning Imagination into Reality' was held successfully on the 28th at the indoor gymnasium of Namyangju Sports Complex, drawing an estimated 7,000 citizens, according to the organizers.
This event went beyond a simple book launch, serving as a "place for communication" and a "festival of hope" where Mayor Joo shared his reflections from the past four years and his vision for Namyangju's future with citizens. Crowds began to gather two hours before the event, causing traffic congestion around the venue, and citizens lined up for over an hour and a half to take commemorative photos with the mayor, demonstrating the enthusiastic atmosphere.
In particular, the event saw a notably high turnout from students, young adults, and women, which was seen as a display of Namyangju's unity across present and future generations. Many prominent local political figures attended to support Mayor Joo's endeavors, including former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Heeryong, former National Assembly Vice Speaker Chung Gabyun, former Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Chung Woonchun, former President of Korea Expressway Corporation Ham Jingyu, and former National Assembly members Won Yoochul, Yeom Dongyeol, Park Daesoo, and Choi Kyoyil, as well as former Prosecutor General Moon Mooil, Guri Mayor Baek Kyunghyun, and Je Haejong, President of Sahmyook University.
Four Years of "Sincere Administration" Rooted in a Mother's Teaching
During a YouTube live talk session, Mayor Joo cited his "mother's teachings" as the foundation of his philosophy for city governance. He said, "Since my thirties, I have engraved in my heart the value of never disregarding anyone and helping those in difficulty." He explained that this personal philosophy became the foundation of an administration that serves citizens as its true owners.
Mayor Joo emphasized the three communication principles he established after taking office-"promptness, proactiveness, and sincerity"-and mentioned a case in which he personally resolved a long-standing group civil complaint in Onam-eup. He expressed gratitude, saying, "Thanks to sincere communication, we have built such strong trust with citizens that collective protests in front of city hall have all but disappeared."
The book launch event for Joo Kwangduck, Mayor of Namyangju City, titled Joo Kwangduck's Sincerity, Turning Imagination into Reality, was successfully held on the 28th at the Namyangju Sports Complex Indoor Gymnasium, drawing an estimated 7,000 citizens (according to the host).
A "Small Stepping Stone" Philosophy for Future Generations and the Socially Disadvantaged
Mayor Joo summed up his administrative philosophy with the keyword "small stepping stones." In terms of youth policy, he established a dedicated Youth Policy Division and reflected the voices of young people directly through policy councils. He also provided opportunities for young people to realize their dreams through programs such as "Heirs of Jeong Yak-yong" and the "Youth Reporter Group."
He also presented detailed policies for the socially disadvantaged and companion animals. With the number of pet owners in Korea reaching 15 million, he established mobile animal protection centers and adoption culture centers, and announced concrete plans to complete three pet playgrounds throughout Namyangju within the year.
Mayor Joo expressed a firm commitment to policies for people with disabilities. In response to an on-site question, he stated, "Guaranteeing mobility rights for people with disabilities is not simply a matter of convenience but a fundamental principle of respecting life," and promised to expand low-floor buses and ensure the participation of people with disabilities in the process of building welfare centers. He also clarified his intention to promote universal welfare by expanding integrated sports facilities where people with and without disabilities can come together.
Joo Kwangdeok, Mayor of Namyangju City, is taking a commemorative photo with citizens at the publication celebration held on the 28th at the Namyangju Sports Complex Indoor Gymnasium. Photo by Lee Jonggu
"Namyangju's Growth Will Not Stop"… Presenting a Sustainable Vision
Mayor Joo Kwangdeok expressed his strong ambition to transform Namyangju into a self-sufficient city through major changes in transportation, healthcare, and industry. He stated, "Within the bounds permitted by law, the city will spare no administrative support for businesses to attract investment," expressing his confidence in revitalizing the local economy.
Mayor Joo concluded the talk with a sincere promise: "I will walk side by side and to the very end with all 740,000 citizens-not alone," and, "With the belief that dreams shared together always come true, I will lead the continued growth of Namyangju."
The event ended as a festival pledging Namyangju's new leap forward, with citizens remaining in their seats for over three hours, applauding and cheering enthusiastically. It was recorded as a meaningful occasion that went beyond a simple book launch, sharing the city's sustainable vision for the future and reaffirming commitments with citizens.
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