Exclusive Pansori Master Jang Saeok: "Late Former Suwon Mayor Shim Jaeduk Was a Pioneer"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] "Mayor Shim was consistently clean both in front and behind. That's why he also led the culture of clean restrooms, it seems."

This is the cherished memory of late former Suwon Mayor Shim Jaeduk held by Master Jang Saeok (70), known as Korea's greatest pansori master.

The 11th memorial service honoring former Mayor Shim Jaeduk was held on the 14th at the Haeujae Cultural Center. The memorial service, organized and hosted by the Shim Jaeduk Memorial Project Association (Mr. Toilet), was attended by approximately 100 people, including the family and acquaintances of former Mayor Shim, Deputy Mayor Jo Moo-young of Suwon City, Suwon City Council Chair Jo Myeong-ja, National Assembly Members Kim Jin-pyo and Kim Young-jin, and citizens.

Among the attendees was Master Jang Saeok. He has not missed a memorial service for Mayor Shim every year. Last year, at former Mayor Shim's 10th memorial service, he performed a tribute concert without accepting any performance fee.

Master Jang's dedication began over 20 years ago. Master Jang said with a laugh, "It was when I was performing at the Suwon Outdoor Music Hall. Former Mayor Shim Jaeduk, who was sitting in the front row of the audience, suddenly came up on stage, squeezed my hand, and was delighted like a child. I was really sorry to the other performers." From that moment on, he became captivated by former Mayor Shim's character.

He then said, "He was someone who truly loved people. After hearing what other people said today, I think former Mayor Shim was truly a pioneer," as he reflected on former Mayor Shim in heaven.

Former Mayor Shim Jaeduk, who served as mayor during the Suwon City administration's 1st and 2nd terms (1995-2002), accomplished many feats, including the UNESCO World Heritage designation of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. He launched the "Beautiful Restroom Culture Movement," elevating Suwon's public restrooms to the nation's highest standards. After his retirement, he was elected as the first president of the World Toilet Association (WTA) and demolished his own home to build Haeujae. This earned him the nickname "Mr. Toilet."

The WTA began supporting the construction of public restrooms in 9 countries and 12 locations across Africa and Asia, including Ghana, Kenya, Laos, Mongolia, and Cambodia, from 2008 to 2009, and has since constructed "Suwon restrooms" in 37 locations across 17 countries as of this year. Former Mayor Shim's restroom culture movement has spread not only throughout Suwon and Korea, but also across the world. Suwon's global reputation is also rising.

In his memorial address, Deputy Mayor Jo Moo-young said, "We still seem to be walking in the footsteps left by the deceased," and "As long as we continue the challenge to transform not only Suwon but the entire world anew together with our citizens, the late Mayor Shim Jaeduk will remain with us forever."

Former Mayor Shim Jaeduk was honored at today's memorial service with poet Cheon Sang-byeong's poem "Gwicheon" (Return to Heaven). A melancholy voice filled the venue. Master Jang, who readily responded to the emcee's sudden request despite it not being on the schedule, said, "I didn't bring flowers either, so I feel awkward about trying to make an impression with just my voice. I'm simply grateful that you asked me to sing."

He added, "I will continue to attend former Mayor Shim Jaeduk's memorial services in the future."