Seo-gu Chairperson Paek Jonghan Vows to Build a Citizen-Centered, Communicative, and Competent Council

Launch of the 10th Seo-gu Council, First Half

Emphasis on Legislative Work Prioritizing Residents' Lives

Strengthening Cooperative Governance in the Era of the Integrated Special City

On July 6, Paek Jonghan, Chairperson of the Seo-gu Council of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, made it clear that he intends to strengthen “citizen-centered legislative work, communication, and policy competency.”

In his inaugural address that day, Chairperson Paek stated, “Gwangju Metropolitan City and Jeollanam-do have achieved administrative integration after 40 years and have been launched as Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City. Along with this, the 10th Seo-gu Council has taken its first energetic step. I would like to express my gratitude to the residents and fellow council members for entrusting me with the heavy responsibility of chairperson.”

He continued, “I will faithfully carry out my duties so that I can repay the trust you have given me. I will listen to and respect the diverse opinions of fellow council members, and, based on dialogue, compromise, and mutual trust, I will create a forum for harmony and cooperative governance.”

Paek Jonghan, Chairperson of the Seo District Council, Jeonnam Gwangju Metropolitan City

Chairperson Paek presented three directions for the operation of the council during the first half of the next two years: citizen-centered legislative work, a communicative council, and a competent council.

He said, “Even amid the sweeping changes brought by integration, I will ensure that no resident is left behind. I will make it a top priority to closely address key issues closely linked to residents’ lives, such as revitalizing the local economy, restoring neighborhood businesses, as well as welfare, education, safety, and the environment.”

He also emphasized, “I will always visit the field, listen to the voices of residents, and practice legislative work that leaves no inconvenience, however small, unnoticed.”

He also proposed the agenda of a “communicative council.”

Chairperson Paek stated, “We will keep the doors of the council wide open so that no resident’s small voice is overlooked. By harmonizing the experience of veteran council members with the passion and drive of first-time members, and by fostering mutual respect, we will build a council where members can actively engage in legislative work.”

He added, “While remaining faithful to the council’s original role of oversight and monitoring of the executive branch, we will strive to build a collaborative partnership, not a relationship of fruitless conflict.”

He also stressed the importance of building a competent council.

He said, “Expertise and policy competency are required in diverse fields directly related to residents’ lives, such as welfare, the environment, and the local economy. In particular, since there are many first-time members in the 10th council, it is more important than ever to systematically enhance members’ capabilities in legislative work.”

He concluded, “We will expand support for council member training, policy education, and research activities, and establish a foundation for professional legislative work to build a policy-centered and highly capable council.”

Finally, he appealed, “Although the council and the executive branch have different roles, our goal remains the same: regional development and enhancing the welfare of residents. I ask everyone to come together with mutual respect, trust, and cooperation to create a Seo-gu where all 280,000 residents can be happy.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.