Mayor pledges swift action on campaign pledges, reform agenda drawn up by citizens' sovereignty committee
"Because I truly wanted to work for the people of Namyangju."
Choi Hyun-deok, the newly inaugurated mayor of Namyangju, made the remark Wednesday at his inauguration ceremony as he recounted his long pursuit of the city's top office.
Choi first came to Namyangju in January 2017, when he was appointed deputy mayor. During roughly 10 months in that role, he said he was won over by the warmth and tenacity of the city's residents — a feeling that eventually led him to run for mayor in 2018.
That first bid was unsuccessful, but Choi laced up his shoes again and spent eight more years channeling his experience and passion into the effort, ultimately winning the race to become the city's elected mayor in the ninth round of popular local elections.
Choi called on residents to join him in completing five key tasks — chief among them ushering in a genuine "era of citizens' sovereignty" — and vowed to respond swiftly to public expectations through rapid, tangible change.
The following is the full text of Mayor Choi Hyun-deok's inaugural address.
Dear residents of Namyangju, whom I respect and love!
I am Choi Hyun-deok, the mayor of Namyangju chosen by your votes. I am honored to stand before you.
First, I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone who attended today's inauguration ceremony despite your busy schedules. I am particularly grateful to National Assembly members Choi Min-hee, Kim Byung-joo and Kim Yong-min, who took time away from their demanding legislative duties to be here.
I also extend my sincere thanks to Rev. Lee Hae-hak, senior pastor of Seongnam Jumin Church and a mentor to President Lee Jae Myung, and to Ham Se-ung, chairman of the An Jung-geun Memorial Foundation.
I stand here today with an immense sense of responsibility. The joy of winning the June 3 local elections was fleeting — as I launched the Namyangju Citizens' Sovereignty Committee and inauguration day drew closer, my sense of apprehension only grew.
Today we take the first step toward a "great transformation of Namyangju into an era of citizens' sovereignty." I carry with me the solemn mandate of our residents: to restore livelihoods, improve transportation, create good jobs and build a Namyangju with strong foundations.
I first came to Namyangju in January 2017, when I was assigned as deputy mayor. Behind the city's beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, I met residents suffering under layers of regulation, and I witnessed the strong potential of a city growing by the day.
Above all, I was captivated by the warmth and fierce determination with which our residents build their lives. Falling deeply in love with Namyangju, I ran for mayor for the first time in 2018 — and the rest, as you know, is history.
The past eight years were not a path I walked because I thought I would win. I did not choose this road because the odds seemed favorable. There was only one reason: I truly wanted to work for the people of Namyangju.
I wanted to pour every bit of my experience and passion into this city I love. That single desire made me lace up my shoes once more. And now, having received your trust, I stand here before you.
During this election, I met a great many people. Residents I encountered in every corner of Namyangju offered not only firm handshakes and warm encouragement, but also candid criticism. Whether you voted for me or not, it does not matter. You are all residents I am here to serve, and I make that promise to you now.
Dear residents of Namyangju!
Namyangju is a major city of 740,000 people. When the ongoing simultaneous developments — the Jinjeop 2 district, the Wangsuk new town and the Yangjeong transit-oriented area — are complete, we will become a megacity of one million. Yet the metropolitan transportation network, quality jobs and cultural infrastructure our residents so urgently desire still fall short of expectations.
The time for change is now.
I will respond swiftly to the aspirations of our residents through rapid, meaningful change. I will sweep away the incompetence that hides behind the word "convention." To that end, I, Choi Hyun-deok, will accomplish the following five tasks.
First, I will open a genuine era of citizens' sovereignty. I will build a system in which I communicate with residents on the ground and their sovereign will is routinely reflected in city governance. The sector-by-sector campaign pledges and reform tasks compiled by the Namyangju Citizens' Sovereignty Committee will be pursued without delay.
Second, I will achieve economic self-sufficiency and move Namyangju beyond its identity as a bedroom community.
By developing the Wangsuk Advanced Cluster — centered on data-driven advanced manufacturing and the convergence of AI, biotech and energy industries — I will create new engines of growth and build a self-sustaining city where home and workplace are close together. I will introduce a Namyangju-style development-profit recapture model to prevent gains from flowing out of the region, and reinvest those recaptured profits locally.
Third, I will connect all parts of Namyangju — a city that currently lacks a center of gravity — and revitalize stagnant commercial districts. I will start by overhauling the transportation system, restructuring the public transit network around the spaces residents use most: subway stations, markets and public facilities. I will also improve riverside paths and walking trails throughout our neighborhoods. I will make it easy for everyone to get around and naturally come together.
Fourth, instead of replacing perfectly good sidewalk pavers, I will invest in safety. There will be no more communities cut off by heavy snow, no more flooding every time it rains. I will not sit at a desk watching weather forecasts. I will rush to dangerous scenes first and respond proactively. No budget item is more important than safety. Namyangju will stand behind the lives and safety of its residents to the very end.
Fifth, I will restore the basics of everyday life. I will make Namyangju a city where welfare and culture are accessible to all — where residents can enjoy high-quality arts and culture near their homes and access university-hospital-level medical services with ease. I will build a city where everything can be taken care of right outside your front door, without having to travel far.
President Lee Jae Myung has spoken of a "basic society" — a city where everyone can enjoy a basic, dignified life. Namyangju will lead the way in setting the standard model for that vision.
None of this can be achieved without the full participation of our public servants. I will do everything in my power to help the civil servants who are the city's steadfast partners unleash their full capabilities. I will build an organizational culture in which those who seek favors in personnel matters face consequences, while those who deliver results through ability are rewarded.
Dear residents of Namyangju, whom I respect and love! Starting today, the ninth term of elected city government will be a true era of citizens' sovereignty — one in which every capacity of city hall is devoted entirely to the people.
I, Choi Hyun-deok, will bow and plead with anyone, whoever they may be, if it means even one more won of benefit for our residents. For the next four years, I will focus solely on ensuring that our residents enjoy a comfortable and happy daily life.
As a faithful servant of Namyangju's 740,000 residents, and as a steward entrusted with the future of this city, I, Choi Hyun-deok, will faithfully fulfill the responsibilities given to me.
A city with strong foundations. A city that delivers the best value. A city where not a single won of your taxes is wasted. A city where living in Namyangju is a source of pride. Starting today, I will walk that journey with energy, side by side with you. Please walk with me. Thank you!
July 1, 2026
Namyangju Mayor Choi Hyun-deok
pjh@heraldcorp.com
