At the Yonghwa Festival, a celebration of community unity in Hwacheon County, Kim Se-hoon, marking his 100th day in office, recognized the contributions of former Mayor Choi Moon-soon, who led the county for 12 years, and requested applause from the residents. The presence of both former and current mayors at the event added significance to the festival, reinforcing local solidarity.
During his speech at the 42nd Yonghwa Festival held at Hwacheon Sports Park on October 8, Kim introduced Choi's attendance and asked the community to applaud his predecessor for his years of service. Kim also noted that he was celebrating his own 100th day in office and expressed his commitment to working diligently for the community. Choi did not deliver a separate speech, marking a moment of respect for the former mayor's efforts.
The two mayors competed for the position in the 2022 local elections, with Kim representing the Democratic Party and Choi running as the candidate for the People Power Party. Their attendance together at a community event, despite their past rivalry, highlighted a spirit of cooperation.
Choi served as mayor during the 6th, 7th, and 8th terms, leading Hwacheon County for 12 years. Following Kim's election in June, the responsibilities of the county administration transitioned to the new administration. The acknowledgment of Choi's efforts in front of the community drew attention, especially given their differing political backgrounds.
A local politician, who requested anonymity, commented on the positive display of support among politicians during challenging economic times, stating, 'I hope to see more of this kind of cooperation in the future.'
The Yonghwa Festival is a gathering for Hwacheon residents to celebrate local development and community unity. This year, the festival began on October 7 with a ritual at Yonghwa Mountain, wishing for local progress, community peace, and agricultural prosperity. On October 8, the festivities included community participation, an opening ceremony, sports competitions, and traditional games.
Residents from Hwacheon-eup and the neighboring districts of Gandong, Hanam, Sangseo, and Sannae participated in the events, fostering connections among neighbors. The gathering served as a platform for residents from different areas to come together with a shared hope for their hometown's development, culminating in the meeting of the former and current mayors.
While no specific collaboration plans or joint statements were made by the two mayors on that day, Kim's request for applause for his predecessor's 12 years of service stood out as a moment of respect during a festival aimed at promoting community unity.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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