[Interview] Nam Jeong-ok, Chair of the Urban Construction Committee of Suncheon City Council, "We will create a council trusted and loved by citizens"

Candidacy for Speaker: "I Will Transform the Assembly into a Citizens' Assembly, Not Just a Lawmakers' Assembly"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] We had the opportunity to meet Nam Jeong-ok, Chairperson of the Urban Construction Committee of Suncheon City Council, who pledged to create a "council trusted by citizens, a council loved by citizens," and return it to the people. We conducted an interview about her reflections on the first two years of the council term, her legislative activities so far, and her plans for the remaining term.

Q. Could you share your thoughts on the first two years serving as the Chairperson of the Urban Construction Committee of Suncheon City Council?

A. As the Chairperson of the Urban Construction Committee, I felt, experienced, and emphasized the necessity of "balanced urban development" in Suncheon City. I believe these two years of legislative life were dedicated to the development of my constituency and resolving local issues.

"Balanced development of Suncheon City" means correcting the city's development and growth, which has been skewed toward the southeast, in a balanced way. This not only prevents the old downtown area from feeling neglected but also practically revitalizes it.

Once many citizens move into the apartment complexes currently under construction in Seomyeon and Gagok-dong, population movement to the old downtown will become active, revitalizing the local commercial district. This will have a greater effect than the astronomical taxes spent so far on revitalizing the old downtown.

Q. What legislative initiatives or accomplishments from the first half of your term are you most proud of?

A. The most rewarding work for a city council member is standing with the vulnerable and resolving their complaints. It was gratifying and fulfilling to meet citizens who came after being told "no" by officials or unable to properly express their concerns, and to coordinate with the executive branch to resolve their issues.

Additionally, I consider the "Resolution to Re-promote the Revision of the Child Life Safety Measures" and the "Ordinance Supporting the Prevention of Traffic Accidents Involving Elderly Drivers" among the proud achievements of my first two years in office.

Q. Could you introduce the key local issues you focused on in your constituency?

A. My constituency includes Seomyeon and Wangjo 1-dong. There were achievements in securing budgets and sites for the long-awaited and priority projects of Seomyeon Comprehensive Welfare Center (Northern Comprehensive Welfare Center) and Wangjo-dong Health Living Center.

Also, I have been focusing on the success of the "Yonggyesan Project," which is the creation of the Miracle Forest promoted by Suncheon City, and the early completion of the road construction between Pungjeon Gas Station and Duji Village.

Q. What are your resolutions for the second half of the council term and your candidacy for the chairperson of Suncheon City Council?

A. Through my first half of legislative activities, most of the campaign promises I made have been initiated. In the second half, I will work hard to complete these projects well and become a council member and council that are closer to the citizens.

As a re-elected council member, I intend to run for the chairperson of Suncheon City Council. I want to create a "council trusted and loved by citizens" and return it to the people. I envision a Suncheon City Council that is not a council of members but a council of citizens, one that approaches the people more closely.

I will strive to build a council that is more faithful to its fundamental role of checking and monitoring the executive branch, making it a working council that contributes to the development of Suncheon City and the council. Also, among council members, I want to foster a culture of cooperation, communication, harmony, and trust to make Suncheon City Council an advanced council.

Q. On a personal note, what kind of songs do you like, and what types and amounts of alcoholic beverages do you usually consume?

A. I am not talented in singing, but I like the "March for the Beloved," which represents the May 18 Democratic Uprising, and occasionally sing "In the Wilderness," sung by singer Kim Kwang-seok, who passed away young, when unavoidable.

Regarding my preferred alcoholic beverage and drinking amount, I typically drink about one bottle of soju. As a public official, I try to refrain from drinking as much as possible.

Q. Who is the person you respect the most or your mentor?

A. The person I respect most, unchanged since elementary school, is Admiral Yi Sun-sin. I believe that Admiral Yi's love for the people (愛民) and loyalty (忠情) shown during national crises (國難) made the Republic of Korea what it is today.

I think the spirit of Admiral Yi, who served in white clothes to overcome national crises, is the most necessary virtue for politicians today.

Q. Lastly, is there anything you would like to say to the citizens of Suncheon?

A. Amid the unexpected COVID-19 situation, which has thrown the world including South Korea into confusion and crisis, many citizens of Suncheon are also struggling and facing difficulties. It is time for all of us to unite and overcome the COVID-19 crisis.

This COVID-19 situation has brought many changes to the economy, culture and arts, and industrial environment. As the saying goes, "crisis is opportunity," I believe it is time for all of us to step up and respond to the changing environment caused by COVID-19 for the development of Suncheon City.

Since the COVID-19 situation is not over yet, I urge all citizens to follow quarantine rules well and keep Suncheon a COVID-19 clean area in good health. Let us thoroughly prepare to lead the post-COVID era and transform this crisis into an opportunity for building Suncheon.

Citizens, stay strong, I love you, and thank you.

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