Ceremony in Jumunjin signals commitment to balanced development across Gangneung

Inauguration aims to put to rest controversies over neglect of outlying districts

Kim Jung-nam, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate elected mayor of Gangneung in Gangwon Province — a conservative stronghold where only conservative-party candidates had won since the introduction of civilian local self-governance more than 30 years ago — visits Ojukheon shortly after receiving his certificate of election to pay his respects. He is holding his inauguration in Jumunjin, signaling his intent to pursue balanced development across Gangneung and put to rest controversies including the placement of unwanted facilities in the southernmost Okgye area and the perceived neglect of the northernmost Jumunjin district. [Provided by the mayor-elect's office]
Kim Jung-nam, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate elected mayor of Gangneung in Gangwon Province — a conservative stronghold where only conservative-party candidates had won since the introduction of civilian local self-governance more than 30 years ago — visits Ojukheon shortly after receiving his certificate of election to pay his respects. He is holding his inauguration in Jumunjin, signaling his intent to pursue balanced development across Gangneung and put to rest controversies including the placement of unwanted facilities in the southernmost Okgye area and the perceived neglect of the northernmost Jumunjin district. [Provided by the mayor-elect's office]

The inauguration of Kim Jung-nam as mayor of Gangneung in Gangwon Province — the first progressive politician to win the city's top office since the introduction of civilian local self-governance — will be held not in the city center but in Jumunjin, a peripheral district on Gangneung's northern edge. The choice signals his intent to ensure that outlying and underserved areas share in the city's prosperity.

Gangneung city announced that the inauguration ceremony for Kim, the ninth directly elected mayor of Gangneung, will be held at the Jumunjin Indoor Gymnasium at 10 a.m. Wednesday, marking the formal start of his administration.

"This inauguration is the first official event of the new Gangneung city administration, and it deliberately breaks from the tradition of holding such ceremonies at city hall or in the urban core," the city said. "Holding it in Jumunjin symbolizes the ninth elected administration's commitment to leading balanced development across all of Gangneung, including the northern districts and outlying areas."

The city has faced lingering controversies over the siting of unwanted facilities in the southernmost Okgye area and the perceived neglect of the northernmost Jumunjin district. Rumors had even circulated among Okgye residents that the area had been wrong to pass up the chance to be incorporated into the neighboring city of Donghae.

The ceremony will be attended by heads of institutions and organizations from various sectors, community elders and residents. Separate celebratory performances have been dropped in favor of a streamlined program centered on the oath of office and the inaugural address.

A special symbolic ceremony will also take place in which 71 citizen representatives formally "appoint" the mayor. The number 71 represents both the 71st anniversary of Gangneung's elevation to city status and the date of July 1, the day of the new start. Citizens from all walks of life will take part, underscoring that the ninth elected administration draws its mandate directly from the people.

The city said it plans to use the event as a springboard for an administration that stays close to residents' daily lives and pursues open, communicative governance reflecting the distinct character and voices of each district. The ceremony will be livestreamed on Gangneung city's official YouTube channel.

Before the inauguration, Kim will pay tribute to fallen soldiers and patriots at three sites, including the Chunghontap memorial tower, before taking his first official steps as the ninth elected mayor of Gangneung.

Meanwhile, Kim Man-ho, former director-general of economic affairs for Gangwon Province, will be inaugurated the same day as the 22nd vice mayor of Gangneung.

After paying his respects at the Chunghontap memorial tower on Wednesday, the new vice mayor will visit major institutions in the city to introduce himself and begin his official duties.

A native of Inje-gun in Gangwon Province, Kim Man-ho began his public service career in 1987. He has held a series of senior posts, including director of disaster safety, vice governor of Inje-gun, director of culture and arts, director of welfare policy, director of budget, and director-general of economic affairs for Gangwon Province.


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