On the first working day of this year, last Thursday, events were held across the island to celebrate the new year.
The economy was the most frequently touched topic at the events.
Todd Thacker reports.

[slug] Provincial office celebrates new year at Jeju Traditional Five-Day Market, Jan. 3

The provincial office started the new year at the Jeju City Traditional Five-Day Market to show its resolve to boost the local economy.

[slug] Economy tops province’s priority list for 2020

In an unprecedented move, the government began work in earnest on the first business day of 2020.

Recording
Won Hee-ryong / Governor
The local economy tops the province’s priority list this year. To come up with field-based economic policies, we will meet, listen to, and cooperate with citizens.
<싱크 : 원희룡 / 제주특별자치도지사>
"올해 민생 경제 활력화를 제1목표로 하는 제주도정은 현장 중심으로 가야겠습니다. 일선의 제주도민들과 함께 하고, 함께 느끼고, 함께 문제 해결을 위해 노력하는."

At the event, more than 500 public employees, business leaders and workers of local organizations attended and shared in their New Year’s wishes.

Recording
Koh Hee-beom / Jeju City Mayor
I will work more diligently and help ensure the happiness of citizens.
<싱크 : 고희범 / 제주시장>
"많이 웃을 수 있도록 열심히 일하고 응원하겠습니다."

Recording
Yang Yun-gyeong / Seogwipo City Mayor
It is my wish that Jeju has a vibrant economy.
<싱크 : 양윤경 / 서귀포시장>
"민생과 함께 제주도 발전 화이팅!"

After the ceremony, the attendees toured the market and greeted shopkeepers.

Recording
Gang Yeon-ja / Merchant, Jeju City Traditional Five-Day Market
(We’ll work hard to strengthen the economy and bring in more tourists. Best wishes in the New Year!)
<싱크 : 강연자 / 제주시민속오일시장 상인>
"전부 어려운 사람들만 여기 모여 있으니까요. 어떻게든 지사님이 많은 도움을 주십시오. 믿겠습니다. (빨리 경기가 회복되고, 관광객들 많이 오게 하고, 새해 복 많이 받으시고 건강하세요.)"

[slug] Business leaders celebrate the New Year at Maison Glad Jeju

More than 1,000 businessmen and women met at an event organized by the Jeju Chamber of Commerce and Industry to celebrate the New Year.
Attendees greeted each other with warm handshakes.

[slug] Business leaders promise to cooperate in economic recovery

They promised to work together to overcome the difficulties faced by local industries and the low rate of growth in the economy.

Recording
Kim Dae-hyeong / Head, Jeju Chamber of Commerce and Industry
We should be united in efforts to overcome difficulties and leap forward. Each of us will carry out our different duties, but our work will have the same goal to boost the competitiveness of Jeju.
<싱크 : 김대형 / 제주상공회의소장>
"올해는 숱한 난관들을 헤치고 다시 도약하는 원년으로 만들기 위해서는 반드시 도민 모두가 원팀(하나의 팀)이 돼야 할 겁니다. 각론은 다를 수 있어도 제주의 미래 경쟁력이라는 총론에서는 하나가 되는 통 큰 지혜를 모아나가야 합니다."

2020 has started in the middle of an economic slowdown.

[Reporter] Todd Thacker
[Camera] Kim Seung-cheol

But local governments and organizations hope to gain momentum in building a solid economic recovery for the year.

Todd Thacker, KCTV