- Record-breaking 794 submissions from 58 countries; official screenings set for May -- A platform for dialogue and exchange, reexamining the values of harmony, coexistence, and respect -The Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that preparations for the 13th Diaspora Film Festival are well underway, with the selection of submissions and opening film finalized and detailed programs in progress. The festival is hosted by Incheon and organized by the Incheon Film Commission.This year’s festival received a record-breaking 794 film submissions from 58 countries—the highest in its history. Following evaluations by a panel of four experts, eight feature films and 31 short films have been selected for official screening this May. In addition, a curated lineup of domestic and international films centered on the theme of diaspora will also be presented to audiences.The festival’s opening film is Route 7, directed by Korean-Japanese filmmaker Jeon Jin-yung. The film explores the lives of Korean-Japanese people living with the emotional aftermath of national division and familial separation, and is expected to leave a deep emotional impact on viewers.Now in its 13th year, the Diaspora Film Festival is Asia's only film festival in dedicated to the theme of diaspora—a term that refers to the lives of migrants who preserve their cultures while dispersed across the globe. Held in Incheon, the birthplace of Korea’s modern immigration and a city rich in migratory history, the festival aims to highlight the values of harmony, coexistence, and mutual respect, while fostering meaningful communication and cultural interaction through cinema.The opening ceremony will take place on May 16 at 7 PM at the Incheon Art Platform. The main festival period runs from May 17 to 20, with films and various programs to be featured at various venues including the Incheon Art Platform, Ae Kwan Theater, and Incheon Milim Theater. The opening event will serve as a symb

- Incheon, Shinhan Bank, and ChildFund Korea sign partnership agreement to provide up to four free meal deliveries per month -- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok: “We will foster an environment for children’s healthy growth” -On April 3, the Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced the launch of a new meal delivery service for undernourished children, known as the i-Onbap initiative, following the signing of a business agreement at City Hall.Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, Shinhan Bank President Jeong Sang-hyeok, and ChildFund Korea Chairman Hwang Yeong-ki were present at the signing ceremony.The i-Onbap program is part of Incheon’s broader birthrate policy initiative, i-Plus Raise Dream, and provides warm, ready-to-eat meals to undernourished children free of charge in partnership with private organizations.The project represents a public-private collaboration between Incheon, Shinhan Bank, and ChildFund Korea. As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, Shinhan Bank will support the development of the meal delivery app system, Ddangyo, and has pledged KRW 300 million toward the initiative. ChildFund Korea will use the donation to cover delivery costs, while Incheon City will manage the overall project and lead its promotional efforts.Incheon has already implemented various measures to enhance its child meal support system, including increasing the number of participating restaurants and upgrading the design of the meal card. However, these measures placed a burden on children, who were required to visit the restaurants in person to use their cards. A satisfaction survey conducted last year revealed that 85% of respondents expressed a need for a delivery service, emphasizing the importance of eliminating such access barriers.In response, the Incheon Metropolitan Government held extensive consultations with relevant organizations, including the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Shinhan Bank, and ChildFund Korea. As a result, the city launched

- Surpasses 3.03 million as of March, marking the largest growth among Korea's 17 metropolitan and provincial governments in Q1 -- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok: “A result of citizen-focused policies and consistent innovation” -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) continues to experience steady population growth, surpassing 3.03 million as of March 2025. Amid a nationwide trend of population decline, Incheon stands out with a growth trajectory like no other.As of March 2025, the city’s registered population reached 3,031,361, reflecting an increase of 3,507 from February and a total rise of 10,351 in the first quarter. This marks the highest population growth among Korea’s 17 metropolitan and provincial jurisdictions.In particular, the number of infants and toddlers aged 0 to 4 grew by 411, while residents aged 30 to 39 increased by 2,464 since the beginning of 2025. This positive trend is largely attributed to Incheon’s expanded support for childbirth and childcare, alongside its robust housing and transportation policies, which have encouraged young families to settle and thrive in the city.Incheon has also continued to lead the nation in birth rate growth since 2024. In January 2025, 1,547 births were recorded in Incheon, accounting for 6.5% of the national total of 23,947. This figure represents an 18.9% year-over-year increase and a 31.3% rise from December 2024.In March, the city unveiled three additional birth-support initiatives: i-Plus Link Dream (couple matching), i-Plus Tie Dream (customized wedding support), and i-Plus Raise Dream (housing assistance). These programs complement Incheon's existing initiatives—i-Plus 100 Million Dream, i-Plus Home Dream (₩1,000 Housing), and i-Plus Fare Dream—bringing the total to six Incheon-style birth support programs. This comprehensive and systematic approach reflects Incheon’s long-term commitment to supporting young people and families. By covering every stage—from relationships and marriage to

- Incheon City and Korea Post Gyeongin Regional Communications Office sign MOU, pledge cooperation for support initiative -- Following the "Half-Priced Parcel Delivery" support for small businesses, now offering significant discounts on international express mail (EMS) –- Small businesses SMEs: Discounts from 12% to up to 39% -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on Mar. 24 that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Post Gyeongin Regional Communications Office to implement the “i(Global) Delivery and International Express Mail (EMS) Support Program.”This agreement integrates the “Half-Priced Delivery Support Program for Small Businesses” run by Incheon City and the EMS discount support project by Korea Post, aiming to enhance logistics competitiveness for small businesses and SMEs, and improve the living conditions for foreign residents in Incheon.A key provision of the MOU is that small businesses and SMEs in Incheon can receive preferential EMS discounts—starting from 12% and going up to 39%—regardless of monthly usage volume, even for a single transaction. Foreign residents in Incheon are also eligible for discounts between 10% and 13%, the same benefits previously provided only to multicultural families. The agreement also includes cooperation on promoting the program and supporting the operational system for the Half-Priced Delivery initiative.* Previously, such EMS discounts were available only to users with monthly usage exceeding ₩20 million.The signing ceremony was attended by Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok and Korea Post Gyeongin Regional Communications Office Director Kim Kkotmaeum. After the signing, Mayor Yoo visited the Korea Post Namincheon Post Office, where he packed and sent the very first parcel under the “i(Global) Delivery” program together with foreign residents, symbolizing the meaningful start of the project.Meanwhile, since launching the “Half-Priced Delivery Support Program” i

- Discussed global exchange and cooperation between Incheon and London -- Delivered a lecture at the Korea Economic Institute Forum and met with leaders from financial institutions and organizations during his Korea visit (March 24–27) -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that London Chamber of Commerce President and Z/Yen Group Founder Michael Mainelli visited Incheon and met with Mayor Yoo on Mar. 26.The visit was made at the request of President Mainelli, who has a keen interest in Incheon as a global city. He founded Z/Yen Group in 1994 and served as the 695th Lord Mayor of London, the financial heart of the U.K.Z/Yen Group annually evaluates the competitiveness of major cities around the world in finance and smart technologies, publishing the Global Financial Centres Index, Global Green Finance Index, and Smart Centres Index, serving as a catalyst for global development in these sectors.Mayor Yoo stated, “Incheon has actively engaged with the world through two major openings—Port of Incheon and Incheon International Airport. In the Incheon Free Economic Zone, leading global companies are conducting business, and 15 international organizations, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), are operating actively. These factors firmly establish Incheon as a truly global city.” He went on to outline his vision for the future, saying, “Beyond being Korea’s second-largest economic city, Incheon is preparing to emerge as one of the world’s top 10 global cities through a ‘third opening’ that opens the hearts of people around the world.”He also added, “As Incheon strives to become one of the world’s top 10 global cities, President Mainelli’s extensive experience and exceptional insight will be of great help,” and he requested President Mainelli’s continued interest and valuable advice.President Mainelli responded, “I deeply resonate with Incheon’s vision for becoming one of the world’s top 10 cities,” and expressed

- Discussed revitalizing exchanges and mutual cooperation between Incheon and major U.S. cities -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Mayor Yoo met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Ambassador Joseph Yun at the Incheon Global Campus Foundation Support Center on Mar. 26.Ambassador Yun, who assumed his post in January 2025, previously served as the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.Mayor Yoo welcomed Yun’s appointment, saying, “With Ambassador Yun’s deep ties to Korea, we anticipate even greater development in Korea-U.S. relations.” He introduced the Incheon Global Campus as “a hub attracting world-renowned universities, offering diverse educational opportunities to Korean students, including institutions such as SUNY Stony Brook, Fashion Institute of Technology, George Mason University, and the University of Utah.”Mayor Yoo added, “We aim to invite more prestigious universities and research institutions, fostering global talent and enhancing regional and national competitiveness through expanded education and research infrastructure.”He also noted, “This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation. As it may be the final commemorative event for aging veterans, we are preparing a special ceremony with veterans and dignitaries from participating nations.” He requested Ambassador Yun’s support and cooperation to encourage participation from key U.S. figures.

- Honoring the noble sacrifice of heroes who defended the West Sea -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it held a commemorative ceremony at the Navy Second Fleet Memorial Tower in Wolmi Park on Mar. 28 to honor the noble sacrifice of the West Sea Defense heroes, marking the 10th West Sea Defense Day.As a frontline city in terms of national security, directly facing North Korea, Incheon has organized its own commemorative events annually since the West Sea Defense Day was officially designated as a government memorial day in 2016. This event serves to honor the noble dedication and patriotism of the West Sea Defense warriors and to reaffirm the resolve of the military, government, and civilians to protect freedom and peace together.This year’s ceremony was held under the slogan: “We Will Never Forget the Heroes Who Defended the West Sea!” About 200 people attended, including dignitaries, heads and members of veterans’ organizations in Incheon. The ceremony solemnly proceeded with a moment of silence for the fallen, floral tribute and incense offering, a report on the history of West Sea defense, commemorative remarks, and a tribute performance.In his commemorative speech, Mayor Yoo stated, “The warriors of the West Sea Defense fought to the end with the belief in protecting the nation and its people, and with indomitable courage, they preserved the peace and freedom of the Republic of Korea.” He added, “We will not merely remember their determination and efforts, but strive harder to repay their great sacrifice and bravery.”

- Understanding children’s emotions through drawing tests and diagnosing parent-child relationships - - Learning age-appropriate parenting methods to boost parental confidence - Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that on Mar. 29, the Incheon branch of the Korea Population Health and Welfare Association (KoPHWA) held the first parenting education session of the 2025 Incheon Father Angel Group Clinic. This clinic program is designed to understand children’s emotions through drawing tests and to assess the parent-child relationship. The program aims to foster a positive relationship between parents and children, and to help parents gain confidence by learning parenting methods suitable for their child’s age. The program is for members of the Incheon Father Angel Group with children aged 4 to 10. Each session accommodates 10 families and is held twice, according to the child’s age. The Incheon Father Angel Club was launched on Jan. 19, 2021 with 208 participating fathers, and has since grown to 2,122 active members as of Mar. 17, 2025. As a unique paternal-childcare community, it is the only program of its kind among the 17 local governments in Korea and has received widespread support from families. The group provides various free programs to support active paternal involvement, including community activities, self-help groups, parenting education, bonding experience programs, and family festivals. Over the past three years, the average satisfaction score has exceeded 95 points, indicating strong support from parenting families. Incheon Director General for Gender Equality and Family Si Hyeon-jeong stated, “Incheon actively supports fathers' participation in parenting and is working to create a city where raising children is easier.” She added, “We hope the activities of the ‘Incheon Father Angel Group’ will further promote dads’ involvement in parenting.” Meanwhile, the group is planning a variety of programs and events th

- Visited Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do to inspect the site and console residents -- All 17 cities and provinces pledge to strengthen joint disaster response -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Mayor Yoo, who serves as Chairman of the Governors Association of the Republic of Korea, visited a major wildfire disaster-affected area on Mar. 30 to express deep condolences to the residents.The visit was made to check the damage status in Andong, Gyeongbuk—one of the severely affected areas—and to discuss future support measures.The council held an emergency meeting immediately after the wildfire outbreak and unanimously decided to provide prompt support to the affected regions. As a result, the council's executives visited the site in person to assess the severity of the wildfire damage, listen to the residents’ difficulties, and discuss practical recovery measures.Mayor Yoo visited the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Office to meet with the governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do and the acting Minister of the Interior and Safety, and then visited the Andong Indoor Gymnasium shelter to comfort displaced residents. He later visited the memorial altar at Andong Station to mourn the victims and express deep condolences to the bereaved families.Mayor Yoo stated, “All 17 cities and provinces will do their utmost, united as one, to ensure public safety and support disaster recovery,” emphasizing, “We must take this wildfire as a lesson and reinforce a collaborative response system between the central and local governments to better respond to natural and social disasters, while expanding disaster relief infrastructure to safeguard the lives and property of our citizens.”Meanwhile, Incheon decided to provide ₩500 million in emergency disaster relief funds to support swift recovery efforts. Additionally, it is taking the lead in active cooperation by dispatching 131 firefighters and 16 vehicles to minimize wildfire damage.

- KSOC President Ryu Seung-min visits Incheon as the first regional tour destination since assuming office -- KSOC President Ryu meets with Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, emphasizing their commitment to collaboration for the development of Korean sports -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Mayor Yoo met with Korean Sport Olympic Committee (KSOC) President Ryu Seung-min, sharing their common philosophy of “exercise is food.”Mayor Yoo extended his congratulations to President Ryu at the Incheon City Hall reception room on Mar. 17, celebrating his return to Incheon with the sports leadership role. They also expressed a strong commitment to collaborate for the advancement of Korean sports.President Ryu, a native of Gyo-dong in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, was making his first regional tour since taking office as KSOC president. KSOC President Ryu stated, “I deeply resonate with the slogan ‘Exercise Is Food’ that Mayor Yoo introduced during his time as former president of the Korea Council of Sport for All. I am committed to cooperating with Incheon to improve public health and promote the development of Korean sports.”Incheon Mayor Yoo remarked, “President Ryu Seung-min, who came from Gyo-dong in Ganghwa-gun and competed on the world stage, is now leading Korean sports. I look forward to the further growth of Korean sports under his leadership, which I believe will bring hope and excitement to the public.”Following his visit to Incheon, President Ryu continued his tour with a visit to the Incheon City Sports Association, where he held a meeting with Incheon Sports Council President Lee Gyu-saeng and local county and district-level sports leaders. During the meeting, President Ryu addressed current issues and concerns within Incheon’s sports community, promised his active support for local sports development to foster both professional and recreational sports in Korea.Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok taking a commemorative photo with KSOC P