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Korea's new president's mayoral past

by cynthia yoo | December 28, 2007 at 10:37 am

582 views | 2 Recommendations | 5 comments

Here's a great post again from Gusts of Popular Feeling which chronicles the urban developments projects that President-elect Lee Myung-bak was responsible for during his stint as Mayor of Seoul. Great photos and videos highlight the article, of which a short portion is found below.

Lee Myung-bak did manage to bring Cheonggyecheon back to life, however, and it proved to be the 'hit product' of 2005 - helped along by spending a little money on PR, of course:

    In his efforts to publicize his "successful" reopening of the Cheonggyecheon Seoul Mayor Lee Myung-Bak squandered 1 billion won (about 959,000 US dollars) on a variety of public relations program for the stream, which has incurred complaints and anger among the citizens.

    Critics argue that all of Mayor Lee's projects including the Cheonggye recovery are actually intended to aid his ambition to become president.

    Cynics jeer that Mayor Lee is the most capable mayor of all in the history of Seoul when it comes to publicity.

2 See all footage | View Slideshow

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chung sungwoo

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 12:09 on December 28th, 2007

cynthia yoo, It's good stuff.

doug bug

at 17:06 on December 28th, 2007

I think forming an identity and marketing that identity globally is what Korea struggles for. Thus making the President-elect, Lee Myung-bak, the best choice as head of Korea's publicity. But, the people need a re-education about globalization, if they don't want to turn Korea into a Cheonggye/Disney Land.

doug bug has contributed a photo to this story.

lynkster2002

at 22:59 on December 28th, 2007

Though Seoul is rapidly changing into a modern glittering city of skyscrapers, places like Dongdaemun still retain the old rowdy mercantile spirit of yesteryear.

lynkster2002 has contributed a photo to this story.

Jaemes Sister

at 17:52 on December 30th, 2007

Walking through Dongdaemun in the evening when everyone is there in small back alley restaurants enjoying a meal, the really interesting people are those who work there---interesting women who smile as they lean over hot grills and are happy to have their pictures taken and to offer a kind word.

Jaemes Sister has contributed a photo to this story.