[Interview] Choi Eun-young, Chairman of Yeonggwang County Council: "Always Humble to Residents, Govern Justly"

Choi Eun-young, the 8th term second half chairman of the Yeonggwang County Council in Jeollanam-do, is discussing the goals of county administration activities during her two-year term.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jeon Seong] “I will always be humble beside the residents and always be just in county administration, concentrating all capabilities so that the residents can feel happiness in their daily lives.”

Choi Eun-young, Chairperson of the Yeonggwang County Council in Jeollanam-do, stated this regarding the direction of county administration activities during her two-year term. On the 2nd, Choi was elected as the Chairperson of the 8th Yeonggwang County Council’s second half with 5 out of 8 total council members’ votes, and from this month, she will represent the voices of about 53,000 residents.

The most important thing for Chairperson Choi was ‘county administration’ first and foremost. Why did she emphasize ‘county administration’ and ‘residents’ throughout the interview?

Choi said, “The more you dream and think, the more valuable the dream becomes,” adding, “Without being bound by customs or formalities, I will dream and contemplate many things for the development of the county and do my best to make the council solely for the residents.”

She emphasized that above all, ‘communication’ is important.

She stated, “The council’s fundamental role is to check and monitor the executive branch,” and added, “We will resolve current issues through dialogue with the executive branch rather than reckless opposition.”

She continued, “Residents are also demanding changes to the authoritarian-style council and county,” emphasizing, “In this regard, we will become a council that approaches daily life and listens to voices from all parts of the county regarding the direction of change that residents truly want.”

Chairperson Choi envisioned a long-term big picture of transforming Yeonggwang into a ‘stay-type tourist destination’ where visitors do not just stop by but stay.

She plans to utilize existing resources such as Yeonggwang’s representative tourist spots like ‘Baeksu Coastal Road’ and the ‘Four Major Religious Holy Sites.’

Choi said, “Currently, Yeonggwang County is making efforts to create a tourist destination where visitors stay, but there have been difficulties due to issues such as the operating entities,” adding, “We are carefully considering developing tourism resources that can be easily accessed and stayed at by fully utilizing the advantage and disadvantage of being near Gwangju.”

She also expressed her intention, saying, “Regarding this part as well, I will travel around the region and listen to many opinions through dialogue with residents, not just a simple visit,” and “If necessary, I will also devote efforts to act as a bridge between residents and the executive branch.”

Regarding the chronic problem of population decline in city and county-level areas, she showed a cautious stance.

She lamented, “Currently, Yeonggwang’s population is about 53,000, but due to aging and low birth rates, deaths exceed births, and out-migration to other cities and provinces exceeds in-migration,” adding, “Also, due to regional limitations, it is practically difficult to attract high-quality population.”

She further explained, “Creating good jobs to attract population is one method, but it is not easy and is indeed difficult,” and “It is time for everyone to unite to make Yeonggwang a livable city and a business-friendly city that people come to on their own.”

Regarding the nationwide top concern, the aftermath of COVID-19, she said, “Although one confirmed case occurred in Yeonggwang, it is relatively called a clean area, so we are focusing on prevention,” emphasizing, “I will frequently communicate with the health center and frontline medical staff who are making every effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

She also said, “Revitalizing the local economy due to the COVID-19 aftermath must be done in parallel with quarantine, so it is not a matter to approach simply,” adding, “Therefore, we are discussing support measures not only for the lower-income class but also for small business owners with the executive branch.”

She also mentioned the chronic issue of conflicts among council members.

Chairperson Choi said, “The chairperson and council members have a horizontal relationship. Among the eight Yeonggwang council members, three are independents, but I respect all council members regardless of party,” and “Regarding county administration for the residents, we will fulfill the council’s duties through cooperation beyond party lines.”

She concluded by saying, “Above all, people are the most important,” and added, “I will focus on county administration centered on people and do my best in the council’s fundamental role.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.