Choo Kyung-ho vows to focus on innovation, economic recovery as Daegu mayor-elect

Transition committee holds inaugural press conference and signboard ceremony; Choo visits former President Park Geun-hye's private residence

Daegu Mayor-elect Choo Kyung-ho holds a press briefing for the Daegu mayoral transition committee at the Daegu Contents Center in Dong-gu, Daegu, on Monday afternoon. [Kim Byung-jin]

Daegu Mayor-elect Choo Kyung-ho officially launched the mayoral transition committee Monday, outlining an administration centered on economic recovery, the cultivation of future industries and citizen-focused governance.

Choo held a signboard ceremony at the Daegu Contents Center in Dong-gu, Daegu, that afternoon, followed by a commissioning ceremony for transition committee members.

Kwak Dae-hoon, chairman of the Feb. 28 Memorial Foundation, was named head of the transition committee. Five members were also appointed: Daegu City Council member Ha Jung-hwan; Lee Jae-sung, a former specialist on the presidential transition committee; Park Jong-wook, a former policy adviser at Daegu City Hall; Han Dong-yeop, a former policy adviser to the minister at the Ministry of Economy and Finance; and Lee Eun-jeong, a former spokesperson for the People Power Party staff council.

At a subsequent press conference, Choo laid out his vision ahead of the launch of his elected administration, saying "the biggest challenges facing Daegu are restoring the livelihood economy and securing future growth engines."

In his opening remarks, he said he would "create changes and results that citizens can feel, and lead Daegu to a new leap forward."

Mayor-elect Choo Kyung-ho, transition committee chairman Kwak Dae-hoon and committee members attend the signboard ceremony at the entrance of the Daegu Contents Center in Dong-gu, Daegu, on Monday afternoon. [Kim Byung-jin]

Choo said he would run the transition committee in a way that is "communicative, practical and field-oriented," adding that he intended to engage broadly with all citizens regardless of whether they had supported him, treating them as "partners in Daegu's development."

"I will strengthen communication with citizens to realize open governance," he said. "I will actively gather opinions from all walks of life and increase transparency in the policy decision-making process to build an administration that earns trust."

Asked where he would base his operations — either the Sangyeok-dong or Dong-in-dong city hall building — Choo declined to give a direct answer. He said he had not yet decided and would consult widely before choosing "a place where work can be done efficiently, effectively and productively."

On personnel matters including the appointment of a new deputy mayor for economic affairs and potential organizational restructuring, he said it was "not yet the stage to present specific principles," but that decisions would be made after sufficient review and consultation. He added that all personnel matters would be kept strictly confidential until announced.

Asked about the legal risk stemming from his indictment on charges of playing a key role in the insurrection, Choo said he had not faced significant attacks from the opposing party on the matter. "As I have said, I will confidently explain what needs to be explained and overcome this in accordance with the law and principles," he said.

After the press conference, Choo visited the private residence of former President Park Geun-hye in Dalseong-gun, Daegu. He said he made the visit "to express gratitude for her support during the election and to pay my respects in person."

Daegu Mayor-elect Choo Kyung-ho and former President Park Geun-hye pose for a photo at Park's private residence in Dalseong-gun, Daegu, on Monday afternoon. [Daegu mayoral transition committee]

Meanwhile, the Daegu community is watching closely to see whether the transition committee's work will inject new energy into the region's sluggish economy and lay the groundwork for future growth.

Attention is focused on whether the vision Choo has outlined — economic recovery, innovation-driven growth, expanded transportation infrastructure and stronger youth policy — will translate into tangible results once his administration gets under way.

kbj7653@heraldcorp.com