[Interview] Mayor Park Dongsik of Sacheon: "I Will Devote All Efforts to Completing the Aerospace Capital and Reviving the Local Economy"

Vision for the 9th Administration
Pushing Forward with the Special Act on the Aerospace Complex City,
Youth Employment, and Metropolitan Transportation Network
"Re-election Is a Mandate from the Citizens, I Will Repay with Results"

Park Dongsik, who will once again lead the Sacheon City administration in the 9th local government, stated, "My re-election is a chance that the citizens have given me once again for the future of Sacheon," adding, "With an even greater sense of responsibility, I will deliver tangible results that the citizens can truly feel."

Mayor Park cited the establishment of the Korea Aerospace Administration as the greatest achievement of his previous term. He expressed his vision to build an industrial ecosystem where companies, research institutes, and universities grow together around the Korea Aerospace Administration, and to complete the foundation of South Korea’s aerospace capital through the enactment of a Special Act on the Aerospace Complex City.

He also presented the recovery of the local economy, expansion of youth employment, development of a metropolitan transportation network, and improvement of residential conditions as the core tasks for his new term.

[Photo provided by Sacheon City] Park Dongsik, the mayor who will lead the Sacheon City administration for the second term under the 9th municipal government, stated, "The re-election is an opportunity granted once again by the citizens for the future of Sacheon," and added, "I will create tangible results that citizens can feel with greater responsibility."

◆ Please share your thoughts on your successful re-election.

I sincerely thank the citizens for trusting and choosing me once again.

I believe that this re-election is not a personal honor, but a result that reflects the citizens' hopes for greater development of Sacheon. I will take it as a mandate from the citizens to successfully complete the projects we have been pursuing for the past four years and to realize a new vision. I will serve the citizens with even greater humility, striving for their happiness and the development of the region.

◆ What do you consider the most significant achievements and regrets of the previous administration?

The biggest achievement is the establishment of the Korea Aerospace Administration. The arrival of the national body overseeing aerospace policy in Sacheon has laid the foundation for the city to grow as South Korea’s aerospace hub.

We have also achieved results in various areas such as attracting investment, expanding living SOC, and improving tourism infrastructure. On the other hand, the development of metropolitan transportation networks and some national projects did not progress as quickly as hoped due to prolonged government consultations and the process of reflecting them in national plans. The issues of population decline and youth outflow also remain important challenges that must be addressed going forward.

◆ What is the key direction for the 9th term city administration?

The goal for the 9th term is "A Greater Sacheon, Happier Citizens." It is most important to connect the establishment of the Korea Aerospace Administration to regional development.

We will enact the Special Act on the Aerospace Complex City and build an industrial ecosystem where companies, research institutes, and educational institutions grow together.

Additionally, we will strengthen Sacheon’s competitiveness as a marine tourism city and expand investment in areas directly connected to citizens’ lives, such as transportation, welfare, culture, and education.

◆ What are the most important issues you plan to focus on?

The enactment of the Special Act on the Aerospace Complex City and recovery of the local economy are priorities. We will establish institutional foundations to ensure that the establishment of the Korea Aerospace Administration leads to tangible regional development.

We will also achieve economic recovery that citizens can feel by supporting small business owners and the self-employed, revitalizing local commercial districts, and expanding youth employment.

◆ What do you see as the key tasks for Sacheon to become an aerospace hub city?

It is not enough to have only administrative agencies. We need to build an aerospace industry cluster where companies, research institutes, universities, and professional training systems grow together.

Through the Special Act on the Aerospace Complex City, we will attract companies, support research and development, and improve residential conditions to transform Sacheon into an aerospace city representing not only Korea but also Asia.

◆ What are your plans for revitalizing the local economy?

Recently, small business owners and the self-employed have been facing significant difficulties. We will continue to expand the local love gift certificate program, revitalize neighborhood commercial districts, and strengthen the competitiveness of traditional markets.

In the mid- to long-term, we will foster the aerospace and tourism industries to create quality jobs and build an economic structure where consumption and employment are in a virtuous cycle.

◆ How do you plan to address the issues of youth outflow and population decline?

The key is to create a city where young people want to stay. In addition to providing quality jobs, we will expand support for housing, cultural and leisure facilities, and childcare environments.

We will build an environment where young people can learn, find jobs, and settle down in Sacheon.

◆ What are your plans for building a metropolitan transportation network?

Sacheon's competitiveness depends on accessibility and connectivity. We will continue to consult with the government on expanding Sacheon Airport’s functions, developing rail networks, and improving road infrastructure. We will build transportation infrastructure befitting an aerospace hub city.

◆ How will you cooperate with a city council composed of equal numbers from both parties?

Citizens desire cooperation, not conflict. We will communicate fully with the city council and actively reflect their opinions during the policy implementation process.

We will create a culture of cooperative governance under the shared goal of Sacheon’s development.

◆ You experienced the passing of your mother during the election period and still achieved re-election.

I experienced both the happiest and saddest moments of my life at the same time. The person I most wanted to share the news of my re-election with was my mother.

She always encouraged me to work diligently for the citizens.

I will put her teachings into practice through service for the citizens. I wish to dedicate the honor of this re-election to my mother in heaven.

◆ Any final words you would like to share with the citizens?

I once again thank all citizens for the trust they have shown. I will faithfully implement the promised projects and repay you with results that you can truly feel.

I will always listen to the voices of the citizens first and strive to be a mayor who works together with the people. At this critical time, as we prepare for the next 100 years of Sacheon’s future, I will work with the citizens to build a greater and happier Sacheon.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.