Inauguration of Yeosu Mayor Choong-suk Kim took place at Civic Center at 10:30 on July 1. Mayor Kim started the day by visiting the Jasan Park memorial monument at 08:30 and then proceeded to the official inaugural event of the 5th Yeosu Mayor elected by the people. The event was celebrated by more than 1000 people, including citizens, organization presidents and representatives of international sister cities.

Mayor Kim, as if conscious of the press’ criticism that the city has not been committed to the promotion of Expo 2012 Yeosu and of the negative views Yeosu has been receiving due to recent corruption, said, “In the June 2 regional election, citizens selected me again as the Mayor of Yeosu in the 5th election after the 3rd election because of their fervent hope to “save the sinking Yeosu” and their passion for local development. This is not my victory, but the victory of the great Yeosu citizens.”

“Under the citizens’ confidence and cooperation, I will give all that I can to lead Yeosu government honestly, impartially and transparently,” he said. “Yeosu citizens can triumph in any competition because they have developed many skills over the organization of two World Expos.”

He then explained the 8 fields of work to be pursued by the 5th Yeosu government by election.
“First, establishment of a clean city without corruption; second, successful hosting of Expo 2012 Yeosu; third, establishment of a global city of marine tourism and leports; fourth, creation of more jobs; fifth, establishment of a convenient city that has SOC and a complete infrastructure; sixth, establishment of a happy city with balanced education and welfare; seventh, realization of an open government where the citizens are the masters; and eight, the opening of a new age of harmony and unity.”

He further pledged, “Yeosu citizens are the descendents of Jeolla top naval force who stood by Admiral Yi Soon-shin and protected the country 410 years ago. Yeosu citizens were also the first in the country to bring the 3 “Yeos” under one jurisdiction. I will revive this civic spirit and open a new age of harmony and unity and recover the lost pride and esteem of Yeosu citizens to create a foundation for new challenges.”
“Yeosu is standing at an important crossroad where one path leads to the age of beautiful port-city Yeosu that leaps into the world and another path to stagnation,” he said. “Let’s overcome all difficulties and strive forward so that our descendents may be proud of Yeosu.”

Yeosu Mayor Kim was the president of Yeosu Fisheries Association from 2001 to 2002 and the 3rd Mayor of Yeosu by election from July 2002 to June 2006.

Photo = Yeosu Mayor Choong-suk Kim, the 5th Yeosu Mayor by election, makes his oath at Yeosu Civic Center on July 1.
*** Inquiry: Information and Press Department Dong-suk Kim (690-2033) ***