Former UN chief Ban Ki-moon visits Chungju, backs city's future vision

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Chungju on Friday, throwing his full support behind Mayor Lee Dong-seok's vision of a dynamic, forward-looking city.

The visit was arranged to congratulate Lee on his inauguration for the ninth directly elected mayoral term and to cheer on Chungju's ambitious development drive. Ban's lifelong commitment to global coexistence and human prosperity aligned closely with the reform agenda of the new administration, making the meeting a natural occasion for both sides.

A large crowd of city officials gathered in the plaza outside Chungju City Hall on Friday, greeting Ban and his wife with warm applause and cheers. Ban was welcomed by the full staff as he entered the building and proceeded to the mayor's office, where he signed the guestbook. "I sincerely congratulate Chungju on its fresh start under Mayor Lee Dong-seok's ninth term, and I hope Chungju becomes a future city that leaps to the world through innovation and coexistence," he wrote.

At a private reception that followed, Lee and Ban looked back on their long-standing relationship, reminiscing over photographs taken together over the years. Lee first met Ban when he was a high school student studying in the United States, and later interned at the South Korean mission to the UN after graduating from NYU with a master's degree.

Ban praised the sweeping changes and reforms Chungju has been pursuing, and offered words of encouragement, expressing hope that the seeds of global coexistence and leadership he has championed throughout his life would take root and flourish in the city.

After the reception, Ban met with children from the Chungju City Hall workplace daycare center, hugging them and offering a warm wish: "Grow up healthy and bright, and become great contributors to the Republic of Korea."

Mayor Lee said the lessons he learned from Ban years ago — about a broad global perspective and the value of coexistence — had shaped his vision for an innovative and dynamic Chungju. "It was the guidance I received from the Secretary-General that allowed me to envision the Chungju we are building today," Lee said. "I have carried the great dream of a sustainable future that I learned from him, and now, as mayor, it is my turn to fully realize that vision on the ground." He added that he would uphold the values of bold reform, mutual growth and future prosperity that the city stands for, and "complete a city where Ban Ki-moon's dream comes true."