Namyangju Mayor Joo Kwang-deok's book launch for "Joo Kwang-deok's Sincerity: Turning Imagination into Reality" concluded successfully with an estimated 7,000 citizens in attendance, according to organizers.
The event, held on April 28 at Namyangju Sports Complex's indoor gymnasium, went beyond a simple book introduction to serve as a platform for sharing reflections on his eighth popularly elected term and the city's development direction, according to "Namyangju Future Vision," which organized the May 2 event.
Crowds began gathering two hours before the event, causing temporary traffic congestion around the sports complex. Lines at the photo zone stretched for over 90 minutes as Mayor Joo shook hands with each attendee and expressed his gratitude. The notably high turnout of students, young adults, and women led observers to call it a "festival of hope."
Attendees included Kim Sun-gyo, chairman of the People Power Party's Gyeonggi provincial chapter and National Assembly member, along with former Land and Transport Minister Won Hee-ryong, former National Assembly Vice Speaker Chung Kap-yoon, former Agriculture Minister Chung Woon-chun, former Korea Expressway Corporation CEO Ham Jin-gyu, former lawmakers Won Yoo-chul, Yeom Dong-yeol, Park Dae-su, and Choi Gyo-il, former Prosecutor General Moon Moo-il, Guri Mayor Baek Kyung-hyun, and Sahmyook University President Je Hae-jong. Former Namyangju Mayor Lee Seok-woo and People Power Party Supreme Council member Cho Kwang-han also attended alongside current and former provincial and city council members.
In a YouTube live talk-format dialogue, Mayor Joo cited "my mother's teachings" as the driving force behind his four years of administration. He explained that he has embraced the principle of never turning away from neighbors in need since his thirties, and this philosophy has shaped his citizen-centered administration.
Mayor Joo emphasized his three communication principles—"speed, proactiveness, and sincerity"—and said he has resolved contentious civil complaints through field-based administration. Citing the resolution of collective complaints in Onam-eup, he expressed gratitude, noting that "trust with citizens has deepened to the point where group protests in front of City Hall have virtually disappeared since I took office."
The mayor described his governing philosophy as "small stepping stone" administration and highlighted policy achievements for youth and vulnerable groups. Namyangju has expanded youth participation in governance by establishing a Youth Policy Division and operating policy councils. Programs including "Descendants of Jeong Yak-yong" and a youth press corps have also built foundations for youth engagement.
On pet policies, he announced plans to establish a mobile shelter and adoption culture center, with three additional pet parks to be built by year's end. For disability policies, he pledged to strengthen mobility and living rights by expanding low-floor buses and ensuring participation of persons with disabilities in welfare facility development.
At the event's conclusion, Mayor Joo presented his future vision of completing a self-sufficient city through innovation in transportation, healthcare, and industry. "I will spare no administrative support for businesses within legal boundaries to attract investment," he said, expressing confidence in economic revitalization.
"I will continue Namyangju's growth walking side by side with 740,000 citizens," Mayor Joo emphasized. "I will build Namyangju's future with the belief that dreams we share together will surely become reality."
The event proceeded for over three hours amid applause and cheers from citizens.
Meanwhile, Mayor Joo made clear the book launch was a personal event and prohibited city officials from attending. He repeatedly urged public servants to focus on their responsibilities, noting that their attendance could cause unnecessary misunderstandings ahead of the election.