[Prospective Leader of the Year 2026 – The Interview | Featuring Song Myung-dal]
JTNews has selected Song Myung-dal (59), former Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, as the “Prospective Leader of the Year 2026,” recognizing him as a key figure expected to drive regional future growth in Korea.
Born in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Song attended Yeongju Elementary School, Younggwang Middle School, and Yeongju Jungang High School. He later moved to Seoul where he completed his studies at Seoul National University, majoring in Political Science, and earned a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Public Administration at the same university. After passing the civil service examination in 1995, he began his public career the following year at the Ministry of Government Administration. Since then, he has served in major ministries such as the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, as well as at the Embassy of Korea in China.
After stepping down from his post as Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries in late June 2025—following one year and seven months in office—Song returned to his hometown with a grand vision for Yeongju’s revival and future development. He has since been actively engaging with communities across the region. JTNews conducted an exclusive interview with him. [Editor’s note]
■ What motivated you to return to Yeongju after more than 30 years in the central government?
“Yeongju, where my parents—now in their early 90s—still live, is the place that shaped who I am. It’s where I learned sincerity, integrity, and the value of principles and people. Not once during my public service did I ever forget my hometown. Even when asleep, if I heard the word ‘Yeongju,’ I would wake up and think, ‘What must be done for Yeongju? How can I contribute?’”
Song, who received a plaque of appreciation from the “Sejong Seonbi Forum,” a network of Yeongju-born central government officials, continued:
“Extending from these thoughts, I decided that my second life after retirement should be dedicated to becoming a bridge between Yeongju and the central government. National policies can only succeed when they take root in local communities. Yeongju’s potential is enormous, and I believe it can develop even further.”
■ What do you see as Yeongju’s strengths and value in the 21st century?
“Yeongju is the birthplace of Korea’s unique and pioneering Seonbi (virtuous scholar) culture. It is a cultural and educational hub and also one of Korea’s key transportation centers. It has a strong foundation in clean agriculture and livestock farming, and with the attraction of the National Bearing Industrial Complex, traditional manufacturing is being revitalized. The city is also working to attract drone and defense industries.”
“My goal is to transform Yeongju through high-quality job creation, encouraging the return of middle-aged residents, promoting youth entrepreneurship, and upgrading cultural, tourism, and ecological assets.”
■ What specific methods do you have in mind?
“The detailed policy blueprint will be revealed in my upcoming book. But to name a few examples: connecting cultural tourism with urban regeneration to shift Yeongju into a stay-type tourist city; creating new jobs spanning primary to fourth industries; and transforming Yeongju City Hall into an innovation center where competent, transparent public servants truly serve citizens.”
He emphasized that agriculture and specialty crops remain the core of future industries and essential to national food security. “We must integrate AI, science, technology, and data-driven policies to elevate these industries into high value-added sectors,” he said. “Through a portfolio of diverse policies, I want to turn Yeongju into a city that attracts people—a premium destination where outsiders actively seek to come.”
■ Do you have any specific policy alternatives in mind?
“Yeongju has rich cultural and tourism assets. As Korea joins the ranks of advanced nations, tourism trends have shifted toward ‘slow travel’—spending meaningful, high-quality time in serene locations—and ‘sleep tourism,’ which focuses on rest and wellness for those fatigued by urban life. Yeongju’s tourism policies should evolve to match these trends.”
He continued:
“Yeongju’s population has fallen below 100,000. To sustain and revive urban vitality, Yeongju must seek strategic development in connection with neighboring cities, and align with provincial and central government policies.
For example, tourism packages linking Yeongju, Bonghwa, and Uljin could create strong regional synergy. At a time of population decline, aging, and regional extinction, we need a macro-strategic approach that attracts government programs while highlighting Yeongju’s unique strengths.”
■ You were known for your communication skills as a central government official. What was your secret?
“There was no special trick. I simply encouraged staff to discover improvements on their own. When someone faced difficulties, I asked questions to help them find answers themselves rather than issuing top-down orders. Even when an answer was wrong, I didn’t criticize immediately—I suggested they think it through again. Helping employees find their own solutions boosts morale and motivation. Many staff members told me, ‘Thank you for helping us grow instead of giving unilateral instructions.’”
Song served as Director of Administrative Support at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries for three years and three months—the longest tenure since the ministry’s establishment. In 2020, he was selected as the ministry’s “Top Captain,” based on votes from ministry employees.
■ Your parents live in Yeongju, and you have three siblings as well.
“My father, who graduated from Andong Teachers College and Korea National Open University, devoted his entire life to education as a teacher, vice principal, principal, and superintendent in Yeongju, Yecheon, Bonghwa, Sangju, and Yeongdeok. My parents now live in downtown Yeongju, and my siblings and I visit them once a month—so they see one of us nearly every week. My two older brothers and younger brother have worked or currently work as senior executives at Hankyoreh, Chosun Ilbo, and KBS. I expect they will also contribute in meaningful ways to Yeongju’s future development.”
During the interview, the moment Song showed the deepest emotion was when the word “Yeongju” was mentioned. “Policies may begin in Seoul,” he said, “but success is built in the regions.”
To him, Yeongju is not merely a hometown of the past—it is the future he envisions for Korea. Its pristine environment, rich human resources, cultural and tourism assets, and role as a regional hub are, in his view, the foundations for a major leap forward.
■ A final message to the citizens of Yeongju?
“Yeongju has always been my source of strength. What I learned growing up here became the pillars of my public career and my life. I am convinced of Yeongju’s limitless potential. I want to dedicate my full energy to helping Yeongju rise as a central city of Korea. I will restore the city’s pride and revitalize its public administration.”
He added:
“I still remember the wind blowing across the fields, the neighbors who greeted me on my way to school, and the warmth of a small town where people cared for one another. Yeongju taught me to respect and value people.”
“Thanks to the support and love I received from Yeongju, I have come this far. I will commit all my experience and wisdom to help Yeongju grow even further. Please watch over me.”
His message was not simply an expression of gratitude—it was a heartfelt promise and commitment to his hometown.
[Editor. JT]
