South Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan-su vows 'great leap' residents will feel

Park Wan-su was inaugurated as South Gyeongsang Province governor Tuesday, launching the ninth term of civilian-elected provincial administration. The province held the inauguration ceremony for Park, the 39th governor, at the main auditorium of the provincial government building that morning, drawing more than 700 residents and dignitaries.

Park proclaimed "A Great Leap Forward for South Gyeongsang, Together with Residents" as his governing vision for the next four years. In his inaugural address, he said he would build on the economic and industrial achievements of the eighth term to deliver an administration whose results residents can feel directly.

"Over the past term, South Gyeongsang ranked fourth nationally in economic growth rate, posted a trade surplus for 44 consecutive months, and achieved record-high employment and record-low unemployment, reclaiming its standing as an industrial powerhouse," Park said. "If the past four years laid the foundation for a rebound, the next four will be the era of a great leap that residents experience firsthand."

The ninth term will focus provincial resources on nurturing future industries and upgrading the industrial structure. The province plans to sharpen the competitive edge of its established pillars — defense, shipbuilding, aerospace and nuclear power — while intensively developing physical AI in manufacturing and small modular reactors as new growth engines.

Livelihoods, welfare and youth policy will also be strengthened. The province plans to expand welfare programs, including the "provincial pension" it introduced as a national first during the eighth term, building a tighter lifecycle welfare system to support residents' daily lives and financial stability. Park also outlined plans to improve conditions for young people to study, work and settle in the region — upgrading education, employment and residential environments — with the goal of making South Gyeongsang a place that draws back those who have left.

On governance, the province will pursue resident-centered organizational reform and accountable administration. "I will put residents first and open a path of grand unity where everyone coexists and prospers together," Park said. "Through rigorous organizational reform, I will deliver accountable governance that earns the trust of residents."

South Gyeongsang Province set four governing goals for the ninth term: a robust industry and vibrant livelihoods; comprehensive welfare and healthy daily life; a culture to enjoy and a city worth staying in; and harmonious balance with thriving farming and fishing communities.

The ceremony opened with a video of residents' hopes, followed by the reading of a congratulatory message from the president, the inaugural oath, the inaugural address, and a vision-proclamation performance with eight resident representatives. Before the ceremony, Park visited the National March 15 Democratic Cemetery and the Changwon Loyalty Tower, then signed his oath of office to formally begin the ninth term.