Bucheon Mayor Jo Yong-ik launches 9th elected term with pledge to transform industry, transport and city life

Bucheon Mayor Jo Yong-ik kicked off his ninth elected term Tuesday, laying out citizen-centered governance and building a foundation for future growth as his top priorities.

At an inauguration ceremony held at Bucheon City Hall's Eoulmadag Hall, Jo received his appointment certificate from citizen representatives and said he would "repay the responsibility citizens have entrusted to me with greater change and results."

The ceremony broke from the traditional institution-led format, with citizens handing the mayor his certificate directly. Ten citizen representatives from fields including the economy, urban affairs, transport, education, culture, welfare and public safety took part, conveying their expectations and demands for the new term.

In his inaugural address, Jo said he would "serve all citizens as a mayor chosen by the people and a servant of the people," and introduced "Together Again, Greater Bucheon" as the slogan for the ninth elected term.

He then unveiled "B.I.G. Bucheon" as the city's future growth strategy — a framework built around three pillars: Business, focused on strengthening corporate and industrial competitiveness; Infra, centered on transport and urban-space innovation; and Growth, aimed at advancing both the city's development and residents' well-being.

Jo said fostering future industries and expanding transport infrastructure would be among the term's key priorities. He said the city would "strengthen the foundation for advanced industries and science education to secure future competitiveness," and expressed his commitment to pursuing a range of regional transport projects, including the GTX-B and D lines, the Daejang–Hongdae line, the Second Gyeongin Line, and a KTX-Eum stop at Sosa Station.

He also said the city would accelerate urban renewal and residential environment improvements to achieve balanced development between older neighborhoods and new towns.

Jo pledged to expand policies with a direct impact on residents' daily lives, including introducing a family caregiving allowance, expanding public late-night pharmacy services, and broadening access to recreational sports and cultural activities.

His first field visit after taking office was to the Bucheon Daejang urban high-tech industrial complex, which he views as a key hub for nurturing future industries and creating quality jobs. He reviewed plans to attract high-tech companies and build an industrial ecosystem at the site.

Bucheon City plans to launch investment attraction procedures to begin drawing businesses to the urban high-tech industrial complex in earnest.

"Bucheon's competitiveness grows when the quality of life for residents and the foundation for business growth rise together," Jo said. "I will find answers on the ground and deliver an administration where citizens can feel the change."