▲ The 8th governor
of Chungnam, elected by popular vote, Kim Tae-heum taking the oath of office at
the inauguration ceremony.
‘Strong Chungnam’ refers
to the new governor’s vision to write a new history for Chungnam, serving the aspirations
of 2.2 million Chungnam provincial residents.
Based on dramatic
economic growth, the province will lead the development of Korea, realize an
inclusive and elegant life for residents, and serve the will of everyone.
At the inauguration
ceremony at the Culture & Art Center on July 1, the 39th
governor, Kim Tae-heum, declared the launch of his vision, “Strong Chungnam.”
With 700 people in
attendance, including representatives from various sectors such as the elderly,
disabled persons, farmers, fishermen, businessmen, multicultural families,
medical professionals, women, youths, and the heads of organizations and
institutions, the ceremony proceeded with video clips about the provincial
administration vision, the oath of office, the inaugural address, a congratulatory
message from President Yoon Seok-yeol, and the planting of a commemorative
tree.
Governor Kim said
in his inaugural address that he would answer the solemn call of residents
asking him to fundamentally innovate Chungnam and realize the high potential of
the province. He stated, “I will achieve a robust take-off for Chungnam to
serve 2.2 million residents.”
Kim said that he
will achieve vigorous economic growth.
That means he will
closely examine the flow of changes in the era of great transformation and
prepare for the future.
Governor Kim
explained that the province will focus on fostering future strategic industries,
such as semiconductors, displays, electric vehicles, biotech, and rechargeable
batteries, finding alternatives to coal-fired thermal plants, promoting a carbon-neutral
economy, and expanding the transportation network and logistics infrastructure
to rewrite the economic and industrial landscape of Chungnam and lay a firm
foundation for a strong economy.
He will promote “the
economy led by regions.”
Governor Kim
revealed his vision to relieve regional imbalances that hinder sustainable
growth and pave the way for new growth through balanced development.
To that end, he
presented various plans, including the building of a digital city in Cheonan
and Asan, cultivation of an international marine leisure and tourism belt in
the West Sea region, completion of Naepo Innovation City in Hongseong and Yesan,
promotion of culture and tourism in Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang, and the
development of a defense cluster in Gyeryong, Nonsan, and Geumsan.
Furthermore, he
said that the province will cultivate human resources for future industries,
promote young and smart agriculture and fisheries, and develop a new marine
industry. He emphasized that based on development strategies befitting regional
characteristics, he will make Chungnam an exemplary case of regional
decentralization and balanced development.
To realize an
inclusive community that cares for all, he presented his visions, including:
the building of a robust social safety net; enhancing social welfare access; fostering
an equal nursery environment; realization of welfare for the elderly; prevention
of poverty; productive welfare; the establishment of an elementary school
childcare system; the strengthening of public support for care system; support
for women with career disruption and disabled persons, multicultural families
and youth in crisis; and the establishment of healthcare system without blind
spots. He added that he will increase the sustainability of welfare by promoting
tailored welfare and building an inclusive community to care for the socially
disadvantaged.
Governor Kim
emphasized that he will ensure ‘life with value and elegance.’
That means he will
develop Baekje Culture Complex and Anmyeondo Island Tourist Attraction,
establish the Chungnam Tourism Corporation, build a memorial for the army
organized in the cause of justice, expand sports facilities for the elderly,
and promote daily sports in order to allow all provincial residents to enjoy
culture, arts, sports, and tourism.
With regard to a Chungcheongnam-do that
respects the opinions of all residents, the new governor said that the drive of
Strong Chungnam originates from participation, communication, autonomy, responsibility,
and digital administration. He added that the province will establish Chungnam
Nambu Office, allow residents to access various provincial institutions,
strengthen public education through Chungnam Human Resources Development
Institute, build a provincial service system based on autonomy and
responsibility, install a metaverse provincial government, create the Chungnam Data
Center, realize data-driven digital local government, and draw budgetary
support from the central government.
Governor Kim
promised to become a governor that keeps promises and respects values by
presenting his motto.
In closing, Governor
Kim said, “I will be dedicated to executing great tasks for Chungnam as a
troubleshooter for the happiness and prosperity of all residents. With
perseverance and resilience, I will accomplish a strong Chungnam and offer
inclusive public services to protect the socially disadvantaged.”
Before
the inaugural ceremony, Governor Kim paid his respects at the Memorial Tower of
Veterans Park in Naepo New City and wished for the development of the province
and the well-being of residents.
On the first day
of work at the provincial government, he presented a letter of appointment to
Chun Hyeong-sik, Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs, and held a
ceremony for signing the first document for his approval.
General Affairs
Team, Operation Support Division
Tel. 041-635-3502