Ku Ja-yeol to be inaugurated as Wonju mayor Wednesday at Baekun Art Hall under 'citizen sovereignty' banner

Wonju will hold the inauguration ceremony for Ku Ja-yeol, the city's ninth directly elected mayor, at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Baekun Art Hall, located next to City Hall.

About 1,000 people are expected to attend, including residents, community leaders, heads of local institutions and organizations, and city officials, marking the launch of what Ku has called the "citizen sovereignty era" for Wonju and the start of a new municipal administration.

The event will also honor long-serving volunteers, senior community members and families with multiple children, reflecting the administration's emphasis on shared community values. The guest list is intended to embody the ninth term's vision of placing citizens at the center of city governance.

A joint performance featuring both residents and professional artists is also planned. Following the inaugural address, a calligraphy performance spelling out the administration's governing slogan is expected to draw attention.

Before the ceremony, Ku will visit Chungyeolsa Shrine and the Monument to Fallen Patriots to pay his respects to those who gave their lives for the country and the community, marking the first official engagement of his ninth-term administration.

In his inaugural address, Ku is expected to present "citizen sovereignty era Wonju" as the core value of his administration and outline his vision for stabilizing livelihoods, revitalizing the local economy and fostering growth in future industries through citizen-centered, on-the-ground governance.