Hong Jun-pyo: "President Yoon's Unpretentious Appearance... Satisfied with Listening to Each Province's Difficulties"

"Meeting, a place for communication without formalities"

On the afternoon of the 8th, participants are listening to President Yoon Suk-yeol's remarks at the 1st meeting of the 8th term elected provincial governors held at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul. From the left: Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province; Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province; Park Hyung-joon, Mayor of Busan; Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu; Lee Sang-min, Minister of the Interior and Safety; Kim Doo-gyeom, Mayor of Ulsan; Kim Young-hwan, Governor of Chungbuk Province; Kim Kwan-young, Governor of Jeonbuk Province. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] Hong Jun-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, evaluated the '1st Meeting of Mayors of the 8th Local Government' hosted by President Yoon Seok-yeol the day before on the 9th as "a communication session conducted candidly without regard to formalities."

Mayor Hong wrote on his SNS, "The president's unpretentious demeanor was a refreshing sight never seen in any previous president," adding, "He listened to all the difficulties of each city and province and promised to resolve them. Even if that later turned out to be mere pleasantries, it was satisfying."

He continued, "We promised to meet quarterly and decided to create a Korea where the central government and local governments coexist. It was a rewarding day."

In another post, Mayor Hong wrote, "Looking back on my over 40 years of public service, I take pride in having lived as Jeolpungmogu (wandering in foreign lands enduring all kinds of hardships for a long time)," adding, "I am determined to live the next 10 years the same way as I take the SRT back down to Daegu. On this summer weekend morning, the mountains and fields of my country outside the window look even more familiar."

In his opening remarks at the meeting of mayors and governors, President Yoon said, "I promised that every citizen has the right to enjoy fair opportunities regardless of where they live, and that we will open a true era of local autonomy where the economy and industry flourish," adding, "I hope we will work together for the happiness of the people."

Hong Jun-pyo, Mayor of Daegu and acting chairman of the Council of Mayors and Governors, said, "You must be very busy managing central politics, but I am truly grateful that you called local government heads like this," adding, "As the phenomenon of local extinction accelerates, I believe the most important thing for Korea is industrial relocation."

Earlier, on the afternoon of the 8th, the 1st Meeting of Mayors of the 8th Local Government was held at the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul. Seventeen heads of local governments, including Mayor Hong, attended the meeting.

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