Guri Mayor Shin Dong-hwa vows 'fairest, most transparent' administration

Shin Dong-hwa took office Wednesday as the 18th mayor of Guri, Gyeonggi Province, beginning his term as the city's ninth directly elected mayor.

At an inauguration ceremony held at the Guri City Gymnasium, Shin declared he would carry forward the governing slogan of the previous administration — "Joyful Change, Happier Guri" — without alteration. The decision is a rare one, given a widespread culture in which incoming leaders at the national and local level, in public institutions and private companies alike, typically rush to erase all traces of their predecessors.

"We must move beyond conflict and confrontation and advance together toward a single goal: the development of Guri," Shin said. He also pledged that his administration would never make personnel appointments to reward political allies or punish opponents.

Shin stressed that he would run the city solely on the basis of residents' happiness and the public good, promising the fairest and most transparent unified administration possible.

The following is the full text of Mayor Shin Dong-hwa's inaugural address.

Respected and beloved 190,000 citizens of Guri!

Distinguished guests and proud civil servants who have graced this occasion!

On Wednesday, I stand before you as the ninth directly elected mayor of Guri, having received the solemn call of citizens who yearn for a new leap forward and a great transformation for the city.

First, I bow my head in deep gratitude to the citizens who trusted me and entrusted Guri's future to my care. I feel the weight of your choice keenly, and I solemnly pledge here today that I will move forward with my eyes fixed solely on the people.

Guri is a city of boundless potential, poised for an even greater leap forward. The historical and cultural assets of Dongguneung and Achasan breathe with life; the city holds strong development potential along the Han River; and it enjoys excellent geographic conditions as the transportation hub of northeastern Gyeonggi Province, connected in all directions.

Yet the reality we face is far from easy. The city's finances are in a situation that can only be described as a crisis. The shadows over people's livelihoods run deep, and the vitality of the local economy has stagnated.

The task of our time is clear. We must wisely overcome this critical juncture and restart Guri's stalled growth engine with full force. It will not be easy, but with 190,000 citizens standing together, it is not impossible. We must now move beyond conflict and confrontation and advance as one toward the single goal of Guri's development.

Respected citizens,

I intend to carry forward, unchanged, the governing slogan of the eighth directly elected administration: "Joyful Change, Happier Guri."

This is not merely a matter of keeping a slogan. It is a commitment to prevent unnecessary waste of administrative resources and budget, to secure continuity in city governance, and it is my first promise to you — that I will run an administration of harmony and unity.

I will boldly inherit good policies and meticulously fill in what is lacking. In doing so, I will transform Guri into a city that is more dynamic and more substantive.

To achieve change, stability in city governance must come first. No matter how difficult the fiscal situation, I will not cut a single won from welfare spending directly tied to residents' daily lives. The people-centered administration that wipes away the tears of those in need and takes them by the hand will become even more thorough and robust.

However, unnecessary organizations within city hall and bloated budgets will be placed boldly on the operating table. I will not shy away from painful personnel and fiscal reforms. In this process, your warm encouragement, participation, and understanding are absolutely essential.

The election was a competition, but governing is about cooperation and unity. The time for conflict and division is behind us — now is the moment to come together as one for the future of Guri.

I will reflect equally in city governance the voices and wishes of those who supported me as well as those who did not. I promise you: there will never be reward-based or retaliatory personnel appointments in my administration. With the happiness of Guri's citizens and the public good as my sole criteria, I will run the fairest and most transparent unified administration possible.

I will not be a mayor who stays confined to the mayor's office. I will be a field-oriented mayor — one who walks the streets where citizens live their lives, meets your eyes, and finds answers together with you on the ground.

The top priorities of the ninth directly elected Guri administration are, by far, stabilizing livelihoods and driving economic growth. I will revive people's livelihoods without fail, grow the economy without fail, and keep my promises to citizens without fail.

First and foremost, I will swiftly advance the relocation of the main office of Gyeonggi Housing and Urban Development Corp. (GH). Working in close and persistent cooperation with Gyeonggi Province, I will bring the promised relocation of this public institution to completion ahead of schedule and without a hitch. I will ensure that its economic benefits flow rapidly throughout Guri — into every neighborhood commercial district and down to the smallest small business owners.

I will build a vibrant economic city where young people can pursue their dreams and small business owners can thrive. I will push forward major projects — including Han River waterfront development in Topyeong-dong — without delay, and dramatically overhaul the regional transportation network. By greatly expanding education and cultural infrastructure, I will complete a "warm and happy community" where it is good to raise children and where seniors can spend their later years in comfort.

Governance exists on the foundation of citizens' trust. I will build a cleaner, more accountable local government. No privilege and no foul play will be tolerated. I will keep strict watch to ensure that citizens' precious tax money is never wasted, and I will build a transparent Guri where citizens' rights are fully respected.

Proud civil servants of Guri!

You are the most valuable people who will lead Guri's transformation and progress, and you are my partners. Please join forces in the spirit of mutual prosperity and cooperative governance. Always carry out proactive and creative administration from the perspective of the citizens.

I declare once again: I will establish a fair personnel principle guided solely by ability and expertise. A culture of favoritism and reward-based appointments will be thoroughly eliminated. I will create an environment where civil servants can work with a sense of mission, pride, and conviction — solely for the development of Guri and the happiness of its citizens. As mayor, I will be your most steadfast support so that you can work with confidence.

Beloved citizens of Guri!

On Wednesday, we take a bold first step toward a "new era for Guri."

I will devote all of my passion and ability without reservation, so that when we look back on today, we will be able to say: "The foundation of a new Guri was truly well laid then," and "Guri truly became a better place to live when the ninth directly elected administration began."

I will be a mayor who revives livelihoods, a mayor who grows the economy, and a mayor who keeps promises and earns trust. Please walk alongside me, citizens, on this path of change and progress for Guri.

Together with the great citizens of Guri, we will make it happen.

Thank you.

July 1, 2026 Mayor of Guri, Shin Dong-hwa