"A grand library, 'Naepyeon Jung-gu Stay'… A Greater Jung-gu!" District kicks off 9th elected term with residents, pledging major infrastructure expansion and tailored policies for all generations. Slogan: "Every Moment, Jung-gu by Your Side."
"We will make Jung-gu a city where young people can nurture their dreams, a stronger and more distinguished education city, and a place where residents can enjoy a comfortable retirement."
Seoul's Jung-gu district held an inauguration ceremony Tuesday at the Chungmu Arts Center Grand Theater to launch the 9th elected-term administration, with more than 1,000 residents, officials and community representatives in attendance. District Mayor Kim Gil-sung used the occasion to share his governing vision for the next four years.
Under the 9th elected term, Jung-gu will pursue a "Greater Jung-gu" through major infrastructure expansion to boost the district's competitiveness and tailored policies spanning all generations.
The administration will first lay a solid foundation for future growth. It plans to establish a "Jung-gu Balanced Development Fund" using mechanisms such as donation-in-lieu arrangements, and will push ahead with the construction of a large-scale public library, a mixed-use redevelopment of the Chungmu Arts Center and a mixed-use reconstruction of Jangchung Gymnasium — all aimed at building urban infrastructure befitting Seoul's central district.
The district will also accelerate the supply of 14,000 housing units by 2035 to secure a stable residential base.
Jung-gu aims to become a city where young people stay and put down roots. Through "Naepyeon Jung-gu Stay," the district will supply public rental housing for young people, newlyweds and non-homeowners. A dedicated savings program, "Naepyeon Preferential Savings," will support asset building so young residents can grow and establish themselves in the district.
Support for senior residents will become more comprehensive. The district will provide uninterrupted transportation subsidies and introduce "Naepyeon Call Taxi" and "Naepyeon Dosirak" meal delivery services. A second location of the 1,000-won "Senior Healthcare" bathhouse will be established, and the district plans to expand senior employment programs and build a new Jung-gu Public Health Center — all to ensure residents can enjoy a worry-free retirement with reliable mobility, health and care services.
Education and everyday-life policies will also be strengthened. The district will operate a second education support center, upgrade the Namsan hillside forest trail, promote K-culture tourism and reinforce the Naepyeon Jung-gu Bus network to raise the district's quality and competitiveness.
At the ceremony, Kim took to the stage wearing the campaign banner he had carried throughout the election, telling residents he would "keep deep in his heart the warm gazes and sincere wishes" they had shown him during the campaign.
He also said that "over the past four years, we achieved many changes together with residents — the Namsan hillside forest trail, the Yi Sun-sin city brand, the easing of Namsan height restrictions, Myeongdong Square, and the Naepyeon Jung-gu Bus," and pledged that "in the 9th elected term, we will achieve an even greater leap, building on those achievements and the experience of open communication."
The inauguration was designed to put residents at the center. There were no separate VIP introductions; instead, the program featured congratulatory video messages, celebratory performances, a residents' wishes video, the inaugural address and a vision performance. The event was also livestreamed on the district's official YouTube channel so residents who could not attend in person could take part.
At the close of the ceremony, Kim and a representative resident performed a joint vision showcase symbolizing the fulfillment of 9th-term pledges and the march toward the future. A video depicting a seed growing into a tree and then a forest was accompanied by butterfly drones and a children's choir, conveying a message of hope. Attendees joined together in chanting the 9th elected-term slogan — "Every Moment, Jung-gu by Your Side" — to cheer on the new administration's start.
Jung-gu had been preparing for the new four-year term even before the official launch. From immediately after the election, the district held pledge-fulfillment briefings and invited residents to co-create the governing slogan through an open competition. The chosen slogan, "Every Moment, Jung-gu by Your Side," reflects the administration's commitment to being a steadfast presence in residents' lives — from children and young people to senior citizens — at every moment.
"I will do my utmost so that the seeds planted in these four years grow into dreams for children, hope for young people, and a comfortable daily life for senior residents," Kim said. "Together with our residents, we will build a 'Greater Jung-gu' that rises once again to become the heart of Seoul and the heart of Korea."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
