Chuncheon Mayor Yuk Dong-han, a Democratic Party of Korea member who won a comfortable victory over his opposition rival in the June 3 local elections, returned to duty Thursday.
Upon his return, Yuk moved quickly to review pressing issues across livelihood economics, welfare and future industries.
He visited Jungang Market on Thursday, meeting with merchants to hear their concerns firsthand and assess local economic conditions and consumer trends.
Back at his office, he approved plans for the "Re-born City Project," an initiative to revitalize the city's old downtown core, and received a briefing on efforts to develop an AI-specialized pilot city.
The Re-born City Project centers on restoring the functions of the old downtown area, revitalizing commercial districts and improving living conditions. The city plans to link the initiative with major projects — including urban regeneration innovation districts, transit-oriented development and expanded community infrastructure — to strengthen the old downtown's competitiveness while improving residential conditions and helping local businesses recover.
The AI-specialized pilot city is a competitive grant program run by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport that integrates AI technology across urban services, public safety, industry and welfare to deliver tangible improvements for residents. The city has assembled a dedicated task force since March to maximize its chances of selection. If chosen, Chuncheon would receive 2 billion won (about $1.32 million) in national funding this year, followed by phased support from next year onward — including AI infrastructure development and operations assistance, official pilot city designation with regulatory exemptions, and backing for AI technology development and demonstration.
On Friday, his first full day back, Yuk is scheduled to meet with local community elders, veterans and care recipients in a series of field visits. He plans to call on the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province chapter of the Korea Senior Citizens Association and the Chuncheon branch of the Korean Senior Citizens Association to hear concerns about aging society policy and elderly welfare, before attending a senior community gathering in Hyoja 1-dong.
Ahead of Memorial Day on Saturday, Yuk also plans to visit the Chuncheon Veterans Hall to express gratitude to veterans and their families and gather input on veterans policy. He will also check on residents enrolled in Chuncheon's integrated care program, assessing their living conditions and health, and will encourage medical staff at the home care center responsible for house-call services while reviewing on-site operations.
The Chuncheon Integrated Care program links medical, nursing and care services to help residents age in place in good health. The city has operated a dedicated integrated care system since March, steadily expanding locally tailored care services.
"I believe change that residents can actually feel ultimately starts in the field," Yuk said. "I will carefully attend to every task directly tied to people's lives — from reviving the local economy and reinvigorating the old downtown, to caring for the elderly and nurturing future industries."
In the June 3 local elections, Yuk won 86,552 votes, or 55.8 percent of valid ballots cast, defeating People Power Party candidate Jeong Gwang-yeol, who received just 22.2 percent.
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