Choi Ki-young delivers his inaugural address as Bonghwa-gun county chief. [Provided by Bonghwa-gun]
Choi Ki-young delivers his inaugural address as Bonghwa-gun county chief. [Provided by Bonghwa-gun]

Choi Ki-young was inaugurated as Bonghwa-gun county chief on Tuesday, marking the official launch of the ninth directly elected county administration.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at Bonghwa County Civic Hall, Choi said he would lead the county government with a deep sense of responsibility, given the trust residents had placed in him. "We must set aside the divisions of the election and unite to overcome the crisis of regional depopulation," he said.

Choi outlined four core priorities for his term: industrial innovation, forestry-wellness-tourism innovation, residential settlement innovation, and administrative innovation. He said the county would focus its resources on strengthening regional competitiveness and building a foundation for sustainable growth.

On industrial innovation, he said the county would pursue smart-technology-driven sixth-industry agriculture, raise the value-added potential of forestry through expanding semi-conservation forest zones, and build a renewable energy-based local self-sufficiency system to secure future growth engines.

On tourism, he said the county would bid to host an international garden expo and develop forest recreation and wellness complexes to expand the base for extended-stay tourism, while reorganizing tourist routes and rebranding local festivals to stimulate the regional economy.

For residential improvement, he proposed introducing a basic rural income program, expanding regional transportation networks and building an integrated public healthcare service to improve living conditions and quality of life for residents.

On administrative reform, he said the county planned to review its conventional budget structure and increase the utilization of idle facilities. It would also expand an AI civil complaint consultation service and operate a rapid-response team for everyday inconveniences, all aimed at strengthening resident-centered public services.

"Within 100 days of taking office, I will finalize the direction of county governance and push forward all major campaign pledges on schedule," Choi said. "I will make Bonghwa a place people return to, not leave — a community where every resident can be happy."


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