Yeongyang-gun chief takes office, vows 'lifelong pension for all residents'

Oh Do-chang was inaugurated as Yeongyang-gun chief Wednesday, launching the ninth elected-term administration with a pledge to usher in a "lifelong pension era for all residents" and a sweeping overhaul of county governance.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Yeongyang County Community Center, Oh said his third term was "not a measure of power, but a solemn mandate from residents to revive Yeongyang — and the weight of that responsibility." He added that he would "set aside personal comfort and honor and pour all my passion into the future of Yeongyang."

The ceremony opened with a performance by children from Yeongyang Daycare Center, followed by a video screening of a letter of gratitude to residents, the oath of office, the inaugural address, and a vision-proclamation performance for the ninth elected term.

Oh laid out two core visions for his new administration: a "great transformation of county governance" and a "lifelong pension era for all residents," expressing his determination to realize an era of resident happiness.

He also pledged to build a foundation for sustainable growth through what he called the "6·7·7 Vision" — targeting an annual budget of 600 billion won ($387 million), a population of 17,000 and per-capita income of 70 million won.

"It is the value of the ninth elected term that every Yeongyang resident, without discrimination, can enjoy a full daily life," Oh said. "I will work together with residents to build a future for Yeongyang that we can be even more proud of and hopeful about."