A local governance expert with over two decades of field experience in Incheon has published a comprehensive vision for Jemulpo's future. Nam Goong Hyung, president of the Jemulpo Policy Research Institute, held a publication ceremony for his book "Creating the Jemulpo Era with Nam Goong Hyung" at Harbor Park Hotel in Jung-gu, Incheon, on the 28th.
Nam earned his master's degree in public administration from Incheon National University Graduate School before entering local government. As a member of the 8th Incheon Metropolitan Council, he chaired the Special Committee on Decentralization, designing ordinances and budget structures. He also served as a special member of the Presidential Committee for Balanced National Development and as a policy advisor to the Presidential Committee on Autonomy and Decentralization. His career includes positions as vice chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's Policy Committee and deputy spokesperson for the central party.
"The coming Jemulpo era must not be a simple administrative consolidation but a transformation of local government that genuinely changes people's lives," Nam said at the event. "Since my days as a city councilor, I have believed that people must always be at the center of administration. I have infused this book with experience gained from direct communication with residents in the field."
The book comprises six parts covering post-integration strategies, citizen-centered welfare systems, outreach administrative services, transportation innovation and economic revitalization, culture-based urban regeneration, and participatory governance systems. "These are policies drawn from neighborhood streets, not desktop theories," Nam said. "I have proposed 'mobile administration' that reaches out to citizens first, including AI-powered civil services and outreach programs."
Nam currently serves as president of the Jemulpo Policy Research Institute, special policy advisor to National Assembly member Park Chan-dae, and visiting professor at Dankook University. He previously served as a key advisor on decentralization in the presidential campaigns of Moon Jae-in and Lee Jae-myung.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik sent a video congratulatory message. National Assembly members Park Chan-dae and Heo Jong-sik, along with Incheon Superintendent of Education Do Seong-hoon, attended in person. Approximately 500 guests from political, administrative, and civil society circles joined the celebration, including Lee Dong-hak, former supreme council member of the Democratic Party; Cho Taek-sang, regional party chairman; Jung Won-oh, Seongdong District mayor; and Father Hwang In-chul.
"Jemulpo's future will be built not by administration alone but together with citizens," Nam said. "I will work to create a local government that takes responsibility for citizens' lives."