Announces Candidacy for Jangseong County Mayor in Jeollanam-do; Over 3,000 Attend
Former Colleagues from Previous Public Service Posts Draw Attention with Their Presence
So Youngho, former deputy mayor of Mokpo and candidate for the mayor of Jangseong County in Jeollanam-do in the June 3 local elections, held a book launch event on the 2nd. Photo by former deputy mayor So Youngho of Mokpo
Former Mokpo Deputy Mayor So Yeongho, who has declared his candidacy for Jangseong County Mayor in Jeollanam-do in the June 3 local elections, held a book launch event.
On the afternoon of March 2, the book launch for "Longing for My Hometown, Jangseong" was held at the Grand Theater of the Jangseong Culture and Arts Center, with over 3,000 citizens and local figures in attendance. Unlike typical book launch events, this gathering minimized formal speeches and ceremonies, instead placing the stories of local residents at the center of the stage. Rather than unilateral congratulatory messages from politicians, ordinary citizens-such as return-to-farm residents, young people, farmers, and multicultural families-took to the podium themselves to share their lives and experiences. The fact that citizens stood on stage as active participants, rather than as mere recipients of government or politics, left a deep impression on those present.
The overall atmosphere of the event also focused more on natural greetings and conversations than on formalities. In the latter part of the event, the encouraging and supportive messages from citizens were met with repeated rounds of applause. The venue was packed with people to the point where there was barely any room to stand, and the road in front of the Jangseong Culture and Arts Center was filled with cars, resembling a parking lot. Even before the event began, long lines formed along the surrounding roads, reflecting the high level of public interest.
Local dignitaries and residents attended the event, filling the Grand Theater of the Jangseong Culture and Arts Center. A large number of senior officials from the Jeollanam-do Provincial Government, including directors and department heads, also attended, drawing attention.
Kim Yungrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, sent a congratulatory video message. In addition, his wife, Jeong Rami, attended the event in person to convey their congratulations. Since it is rare for a spouse to attend separately when a congratulatory video is sent, her presence was seen as a sign of a special connection and trust that went beyond a formal greeting.
Public officials from So's previous posts in Sinan County, Goheung County, and Yeosu City also attended, reuniting with him after a long time. The scene of colleagues from various regions coming together again in Jangseong gave attendees a sense of what it means to "leave a legacy of people through administration."
The newly published "Longing for My Hometown, Jangseong" contains the story of So's birth and upbringing in Jangseong, 26 years of public service, and his thoughts on the future of Jangseong. It is being praised as more than a simple memoir-rather, it is a record that explores the direction of change for his hometown.
The book also addresses issues facing Jangseong, such as industry, agriculture, and population, and includes policy proposals based on actual administrative experience. Some readers noted that the book analyzes the realities of Jangseong from an administrator's perspective and attempts to suggest solutions. In particular, readers are said to empathize with the honest account of So's decision to leave a stable civil service position before retirement and return to his hometown.
Former Deputy Mayor So stated, "This book is not a finished conclusion, but a proposal to draw the future together with the citizens," adding, "I believe that loving one’s hometown is not about ownership, but responsibility, and I will continue to work together with the community."
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