Ryu Kyuhah, Mayor of Jung-gu, Daegu, Wins 'Most Influential CEO in Korea' for Second Year... Tops Net Population Inflow Rate for Three Consecutive Years

On July 15, Jung-gu District in Daegu announced that Ryu Kyuhah, Mayor of Jung-gu, Daegu, was selected as the top executive in the Population Vitality Management category at the ‘TV Chosun 2026 Most Influential CEO in Korea’ ceremony, held at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul. This marks his second consecutive win, following last year’s award in the Welfare Administration Management category.

Now in its 14th year, the ‘Most Influential CEO in Korea’ award recognizes top executives from companies and institutions who have contributed to the advancement of management in Korea, across various fields such as future-oriented innovation management.

Ryu Kyuha (right), Mayor of Daegu Jung-gu, is holding a bouquet and posing for a commemorative photo in celebration of winning the "Most Influential CEO in Korea" award for two consecutive years, organized by TV Chosun.

This award is a result of Jung-gu District’s successful response to challenges such as downtown depopulation and the decline of the original city center population, as well as sustained efforts to implement population vitality policies, including restoring the residential population, attracting younger generations, and expanding living infrastructure.

Since 1998, Jung-gu, Daegu has faced population decline due to downtown hollowing-out and urban deterioration. However, Mayor Ryu Kyuhah has created a pivotal turning point for population recovery through urban regeneration, improving residential conditions, and implementing tailored policies for youth, families, and the elderly. From 2022 to 2024, Jung-gu achieved the highest net population inflow rate among basic local governments nationwide for three consecutive years. In July last year, the permanent resident population recovered to 100,000 for the first time in 27 years. The ratio of young people also reached about 32 percent, higher than both the national and Daegu averages.

Jung-gu District in Daegu stated, “As the first local government in Daegu to do so, we are implementing a variety of policies to help young people become independent and settle in the area, including subsidies for youth real estate agent commissions and moving expenses, rent support for young entrepreneurs, operation of a youth support center, and establishment of the Bukseong-ro Youth Startup Cluster. We are also strengthening support throughout the entire process of marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, and childrearing, such as child and infant health management, communal childcare facilities, and a family center.”

Mayor Ryu Kyuhah of Jung-gu, Daegu said, “We will continue to strengthen our population vitality policies so that all generations can find hope and dream of a better tomorrow in Jung-gu.”

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