Daegu Mayor Choo calls on city officials to deliver results '10 to 20 times faster'

Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho urged city officials Monday to work with far greater urgency, saying they must deliver results "10 to 20 times faster" and produce changes that residents can actually feel.

Choo made the remarks at a senior staff meeting held at the Sanggyeok office of Daegu City Hall. "With the September regular session of the National Assembly and the city council's regular session both starting at the same time, we need to pursue more proactive, swift administration and generate citizen-centered results," he said.

He said the city must not be seen as passive despite having the authority to act. "Let's work with a sense of urgency so that we earn a reputation for proactive administration that works alongside citizens," he said.

Choo also said officials must not make policy decisions simply by following internal or external instructions. "A policy gains persuasive power only when you have the logic and evidence to explain it clearly to anyone," he said.

He added that policies unknown to the public are as good as nonexistent. "Make sure citizens are properly informed and can actively take advantage of our policies, measures and support programs — go out and sell them," he said.

On relations with the media, Choo said officials should use press coverage as an opportunity to identify problems and improve policy. "Communicate proactively so that poor communication does not lead to unnecessary misunderstandings or criticism," he added.

Closing the meeting, Choo said the pace of the world was accelerating. "From September, the National Assembly, the city council — everything picks up speed," he said. "Deliver results on your respective issues faster, so that citizens can feel and judge the difference for themselves."