"Sports play a role in solving social problems and protecting the health of citizens. The promotion of sports will be a key value that will enhance the attractiveness of Seoul, a global advanced city, and drive the creation of added value."

Yoo Seok-woo(photo), chairman of Orbitec, a nuclear technology and aircraft precision parts manufacturer, is known as a representative "young talent" preparing for the Seoul Metropolitan Sports Council election(Seoul sports council).

He, who is in his 40s and leads one of the leading companies and venture capital firms for new technology businesses, said the reason he expressed his intention to run for Seoul Metropolitan Sports Chief was because of his sense of mission to change.

Although modifiers such as "innovative manager" and "young talent" seem to suit him, he has been praised for his sincerity in sports administration.

He has been the head of the Handball Association since early 2017 in his hometown of Gwangju, following the integration of the Korea Sports Association and the National Sports Association, which is in charge of elite sports in 2016.

The reason why Yoo, a former non-athletic, is attracting attention in the field of sports administration is because of his natural responsibility, careless communication skills, and reasonable decision-making.

Although he is not a former athlete, he is considered the right person to speak for the voice of the sports community and is drawing attention as a representative young runner in the field of sports administration such as the Korea Handball Association Audit and the Korea Sports Association.

"Seoul is the most notable city in the world beyond the capital of the Republic of Korea," he said. "It is time for sports administration to emerge as a happy city that the world envies with a new paradigm suitable for the declining birthrate and aging population."

The most urgent task is to increase the budget and develop balanced sports in sports organizations and autonomous districts. The government plans to raise the overall budget of the sports association, which is only 0.4 percent of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's total budget, to 1 percent within three to four years, and provide additional points to sports organizations.

To this end, the government plans to hold a regular joint meeting consisting of the mayor of Seoul, the chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, and the head of the autonomous district office to increase the budget by an average of 2 to 30 percent over four years.

"In order to revitalize and advance autonomous sports associations, we will expand support for operating costs and labor costs, develop standardized operation manuals based on digital technology, and support 'one-stop management system' for free," he said.

It also plans to speed up its global competitiveness. "We will also strengthen the global status of 'Attractive Seoul' through sports through the S-MICE project linked to the construction of Jamsil Dome Stadium and sports complex, which Seoul is focusing on," he added.

Next is Yoo Seok-woo's major history of candidates to run
△ Experience ▷ Chairman of Orbitec Co., Ltd. ▷ Former regional win-win member of the Korea Sports Association for the Disabled ▷ Former president of the Gwangju Metropolitan Handball Association ▷ Former chairman of the JC (Youth Chamber) △ Award ▷ Gwangju Mayor's Commendation (2nd)

reporter= chang woo.lee_ cwlee@nvp.co.kr