[Report] "Captain of Wando’s Marine Development"...Three-Term Governor Shin Woochul’s Tearful Farewell

A Farewell in 'Book Concert' Style: Behind the Scenes of Budget Wins and Major Projects

Traveling the Equivalent of 30 Trips Around the Globe in 12 Years

"Every Achievement Belongs to the People"

On the 26th, at the Wando Cultural and Arts Center in South Jeolla Province, there was no sign of the typically heavy and rigid atmosphere found in government buildings.

At the center of the stage that day stood a modest table and two chairs facing each other. This was the moment when Shin Woochul, Wando County Governor, who had led the county from the front lines for the past 12 years, was drawing the final line under his three terms in office.

Diverging from the usual ceremonial proceedings, this farewell event took the form of a 'book concert', in which Shin openly shared behind-the-scenes stories of county administration, aiming to showcase a Wando where the residents are the true protagonists.

At the retirement commemorative 'Book Concert' held at Wando Culture and Arts Center, County Governor Shin Woochul sat face-to-face with the moderator, candidly sharing the intense behind-the-scenes stories and reflections on the last 12 years of county administration. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

"Let's Go with the Pension"…A Wife's Decision That Paved the Way for a Third Term

What filled the venue that day was not grand achievements, but the intense life path of 'Shin Woochul, the person.' The most captivating moment for the audience was the anecdote about his decision to run for a third term.

According to Shin's recollection, he and his wife spent a week agonizing day and night over whether to receive his severance pay as a lump sum (about 250 million won) or as a pension (an 80 million won lump sum plus regular payments), in order to finance his election campaign.

"I'll work even harder. Let's choose the pension." This single sentence from his wife, Park Ok-nam, after much deliberation, became the anchor for his third-term challenge, he said. Even during the grueling three rounds of primary elections, when faced with resistance, his wife steadied him, saying, "This is just a temporary phase. Trust the people and do your best."

This background was echoed by Wando County Council Chairman Kim Yanghoon, who, in his congratulatory address, said, "It is truly meaningful to be able to express our gratitude as we look back on County Governor Shin's footsteps, walked together with the residents." He added, "At the center of the countless challenges and changes for Wando's future stood County Governor Shin, and by his side, with encouragement and quiet support, has always been Mrs. Park Ok-nam."

Chairman Kim expressed his sincere wishes for Shin's new beginning, saying, "The valuable achievements and spirit of love for the people left by County Governor Shin will continue to serve as a strong foundation for Wando's development."

Wando County Council members presenting a plaque of appreciation to County Governor Woochol Shin, expressing gratitude for 12 years of dedication. Photo by Joon Kyung Lee

"Breaking Free from 6.2% Financial Independence"…'On-Foot Administration' That Reached Even Central Ministry Restrooms

Governor Shin explained that the reality facing Wando at the start of his term was far from easy. According to him, Wando's financial independence ratio hovered at 6.2%, among the lowest in the country, and with local tax revenue amounting to just 45 billion won annually, it was structurally impossible to pursue independent projects. The only breakthrough he found was 'putting in the legwork.' He recalled that, in his pursuit of securing national and provincial funding, he would follow officials "down hallways, stairs, and even into restrooms" at central ministries, visiting so frequently that the thresholds wore down.

As a result of these efforts, Shin stated that Wando County's budget, which stood at 350 billion won in 2014, has now soared to 730 billion won—more than double. He also emphasized that, to address the crisis of an elderly population nearing 40%, he had persistently pushed forward the 'marine healing industry' for 11 years since 2015.

He personally met with everyone from working-level officials to ministers and vice ministers at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, persuading them that "marine healing is not just about hot springs. It must be connected to marine bio and blue carbon to have a real positive impact on the local economy." As a result, he highlighted that out of Wando's approximately 1.2 million annual visitors, about 130,000 now visit healing centers.

He also recalled the 'battle to attract the National Subtropical Arboretum,' in which Wando, with a population of 50,000, went head-to-head with Geoje, a city of 240,000. He described it as an underdog drama that overturned the odds, detailing the arduous behind-the-scenes process—ranging from a petition campaign signed by 180,000 residents, intervention by Assemblyman Park Jie-won, and overcoming budget constraints imposed by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, to ultimately securing priority for the project.

Wando County Governor Shin Woochul poses for a commemorative photo after the appreciation plaque presentation ceremony with Wando County officials and local community organization representatives. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

After a Journey Equal to 30 Trips Around the Globe, He Said, "Honey, I Love You"

Over 12 years, Governor Shin traveled 365,000 km domestically and 840,000 km internationally—a total distance equivalent to circling the globe 30 times. Yet, even after running nonstop, he was left with deep regrets. He cited his inability to respond more proactively to issues such as population decline and the outflow of young people as a particular source of remorse.

Toward the end of the event, at the host's suggestion, Governor Shin took the microphone and looked toward the very front row of the audience. There, he confessed his heartfelt feelings to his wife, saying, "Honey, I love you," drawing a warm round of applause from the crowd.

In his final remarks, Governor Shin mentioned major national projects, including the Gwangju-Wando Expressway, the Wando-Goheung Coastal Tourism Road, and the successful bid to attract the National Fisheries Museum, totaling 420 billion won in government funding. He emphasized, "None of this is my accomplishment alone. It is the work of the great people of Wando," giving credit to the community.

As the book concert approached its end, the audience quietly applauded as Shin, reflecting on the past 12 years, was seen with tears welling in his eyes. At the farewell event, many political and government figures—including Jeong Sye-kyun, Park Jie-won, Park Jun-young, Kim Jin-pyo, Seo Young-kyo, and Kim Young-rok—sent video messages to recognize his dedication.

'Shin Woochul, the individual,' now free from the heavy title of county governor, will take his first step on a journey to unexplored destinations in Korea with his wife—a chance to finally cherish the moments he missed during his 30 trips around the globe.

Having completed a long 12-year voyage, the captain now sets aside the helm, but the sea before Wando remains turbulent and cold. What course his logbook will chart in the years to come is a weighty question left to time and the sea itself.

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