Kim Byeongnae, Mayor of Gwangju Nam-gu, Successfully Holds 'Passion and Sincerity' Book Launch Ceremony

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] The book signing event for Kim Byeong-nae, mayor of Nam-gu, Gwangju, and author of the book "Passion and Sincerity," was held successfully.

The signing event, held on the 12th at the first floor of Hosimgwan, Gwangju University, was conducted in a 'Walking-Thru' manner, minimizing the time attendees stayed at the venue and foregoing a separate congratulatory ceremony, in consideration of the COVID-19 situation, receiving favorable reviews.

At the event, about 70 people who have maintained close personal relationships with Mayor Kim sent congratulatory videos.

Following a congratulatory message from Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate for the 20th presidential election, videos of support messages were delivered to Mayor Kim from various sectors including over 30 members of the National Assembly who had worked together at the Blue House, former Democratic Party leaders Lee Nak-yeon and Choo Mi-ae, local government heads, religious leaders, and local residents.

Im Jong-seok, former Chief of Staff to President Moon Jae-in, known to have a deep friendship with Mayor Kim, stayed at the venue throughout the morning, sharing photo time with attendees alongside Mayor Kim, highlighting their special bond.

The congratulatory videos were noted for their intimate content stemming from strong personal relationships, differing from typical formal greetings.

Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon introduced an anecdote about Mayor Kim’s efforts to win a bid for a life-type SOC complex project during his tenure as prime minister, saying, "I really felt he was someone who knows how to get things done."

Former Blue House Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Choi Jae-sung recalled, "I had never seen anyone come to the Blue House to inquire, consult, and request like him," adding, "In short, it was almost bothersome," and said, "That passion must have created the current Nam-gu."

Seo Cheol-mo, mayor of Hwaseong City, who has been very close since working at the Blue House, said their personal friendship led to exchanges between the two cities. Shim Min, mayor of Imsil County, who first met Mayor Kim at the Blue House five years ago, said he was deeply moved by the sincere treatment he received as a visitor from a small city of 30,000 people, and has maintained their relationship ever since.

Attendees celebrating the publication included Lee Yong-seop, mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City; Kim Young-rok, governor of Jeollanam-do; former Blue House Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Kang Ki-jung; Song Gap-seok, chairman of the Democratic Party Gwangju City Committee; National Assembly members Yoon Young-duk, Lee Byung-hoon, Jo Oh-seop; Kim Seung-nam, chairman of the Democratic Party Jeonnam Provincial Committee; National Assembly members Lee Gae-ho, Seo Sam-seok, Shin Jeong-hoon; Seo Dae-seok, mayor of Seo-gu; Moon In, mayor of Buk-gu; and Kim Sam-ho, mayor of Gwangsan-gu.

"Passion and Sincerity" candidly and sincerely records the intense 1,300 days since Mayor Kim’s inauguration in the 7th local election, detailing the process of resolving long-standing projects in Nam-gu with strong drive and unique affinity, as well as his devoted efforts for urban competitiveness and future growth engines.

Mayor Kim, originally from Yeonggwang, graduated from Jodae High School and Gwangju University, serving as president of the student council at Gwangju University and co-chairman of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Regional University Student Council Association. He entered politics as an aide to National Assembly member Kang Woon-tae and has had extensive experience in the legislative, executive, and party sectors, including serving as director of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Civil Petition Office and deputy spokesperson of the Democratic Party central committee.

During the 2017 presidential primary, he planned the Honam schedule for candidate Moon Jae-in and Kim Jung-sook, playing a bridging role for the election victory. After the Moon Jae-in administration began, he was appointed as an administrative officer in the Office of Political Affairs in the first Blue House secretariat, dedicating himself to supporting regional budgets and projects as a communication channel between the central government and Honam.

Despite the event lasting seven hours without a main program, a crowd gathered from before the start, causing severe traffic congestion around Gwangju University, the venue. Especially, the waiting line to meet Mayor Kim did not shorten, and the event continued even after the official closing time of 5 p.m., creating a remarkable scene.

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