Uljin-gun's new chief vows to be county's 'No. 1 salesman'

Hwang Yi-ju was inaugurated as Uljin-gun county chief Wednesday at the Uljin Yeonho Cultural Center, formally launching the ninth term of elected county administration before an audience of about 800 people, including heads of public institutions and civic organizations, residents and public officials.

In his inaugural address, Hwang said the occasion was not a personal honor but "a stern mandate from the sovereign people to revive a collapsed local economy and genuinely enrich the lives of county residents." He pledged to "open a new era of people's livelihoods in an Uljin defined by change, innovation and a great leap forward."

He outlined three core directions for his administration: an era of harmony and mutual prosperity; a future built on energy and countywide happiness; and a governing approach that keeps its sights on residents and its feet on the ground.

Hwang also committed to field-centered governance to strengthen communication with residents. He said he would regularize a program called "Morning County Chief's Office That Comes to You," in which he personally visits villages to hear residents' concerns, and would establish a one-stop complaint center to eliminate buck-passing between departments and deliver swift, accountable public service.

"I am Uljin-gun's No. 1 salesman," Hwang said. "I will personally hit the pavement to attract businesses and expand investment. I will keep every promise I made to residents during the election to revive the local economy and become a 'management chief' who brings young people back to Uljin."