[Interview] Im Jong-gi, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member, "I Will Be a Lawmaker Who Upholds Justice"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] We met with Im Jong-gi, a former Jeonnam Provincial Assembly member who regards Admiral Yi Sun-sin as the most respected figure in history and lives by the spirit of self-sacrifice and devotion like him, to hear his reflections on spending two years in the first half of the council as a first-term member and the key initiatives he plans to pursue in the second half.

Q. What are your thoughts on spending the first two years in the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly as a first-term member?

A. I think I spent the first half of the council busily working to unify the rank system for lower-level public officials and to standardize the name and affiliation of the disciplinary committee for students violating education-related laws. Also, through the resolution of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly, we submitted a proposal urging the Korean government to amend the Local Public Officials Act and three related education laws, but since nothing significant has come out yet, there is some frustration on the side.

Q. Among your legislative activities over the past two years, especially regarding bill and ordinance proposals, which accomplishment do you find most rewarding?

A. I would like to highlight the increase and actualization of the taxi surcharge rate outside the city limits from the previous 20% to 35%. There was a demand from Suncheon city council members to actualize the taxi surcharge outside the city limits, but since it was a matter handled by the province, not the city, city council members could not address it. However, as a provincial assembly member, I was able to, and I thought, ‘This is exactly the kind of work I should do!’

The ‘outside city limits surcharge’ applied when operating outside business areas like Gwangyang or Yeosu had different rates and application points, causing many disputes between taxi drivers and passengers. However, unfair fare collection due to non-use of meters, which was openly practiced among citizens, disappeared, and taxi operators no longer faced complaints due to misunderstandings.

Additionally, it was rewarding to see the improvement of the Jeollanam-do Fire Headquarters 119 comprehensive situation room’s work shifts from a 3-team 2-shift system to a 4-team 2-shift system, and the amendment of the Jeollanam-do Education Support Ordinance to expand the support target from ‘schools’ to ‘schools and students.’

Q. Among current local issues, what was the most prioritized matter you pursued?

A. I requested the inclusion of the Northeast Asia History Peace Park project and the establishment of the Suseo section of the Jeolla Line KTX in the South Coast Development Comprehensive Plan. History connects recorded facts to the future, and we must remember and reflect on the Battle of Waegyo in front of Sinseongpo, the last battlefield of the Japanese invasions of Korea (Jeongyu War). Also, the Jeolla Line high-speed rail currently does not operate from Suseo, causing inconvenience to citizens. Instead of transfers, KTX or SRT should be introduced on the Jeolla Line to operate the Suseo section, enhancing convenience for citizens. These two proposals are currently underway.

Q. How would you self-evaluate the progress of your campaign promises made to citizens?

A. The establishment of the integrated Eastern Jeonnam government building in Suncheon has been confirmed. This was possible because Suncheon city had land to host the integrated government building, and when I was the chairman of the Suncheon City Council, I did not submit the ‘Consent for Free Use and Support of Land for Foreign Educational Institution Construction in the Shindae District’ passed by the relevant standing committee to the plenary session under my authority as chairman, allowing Suncheon city to manage it directly. I believe this enabled the integrated Eastern government building to be built there.

Also, although many tried to secure provincial funds to restore the birthplace of Baekgang Jo Gyeong-han, it failed. However, thanks to my strong assertion that ‘If we do not remember the independence activists who saved the country in times of crisis, who else will?’ and the consideration of Governor Kim Young-rok, we were able to secure 200 million won.

Q. What has changed since you became a provincial assembly member?

A. As a city council member, I focused on specifics, but as a provincial assembly member, I focus on the general principles.

When the world changes, laws must change accordingly, and this is the rule of law. However, the law itself is still based on a pre-modern mindset, emphasizing a perspective as if the state is bestowing favors on the people. Changing laws is the role of National Assembly members, so efforts to amend education-related laws and assign ranks to lower-level public officials as a provincial assembly member come with many difficulties.

Q. What would you like to say to the citizens of Suncheon?

A. Historically, presently, and looking toward the future, Suncheon is a remarkable city, and I have realized that among the 22 cities and counties of Jeollanam-do, Suncheon is the number one city.

Under the Suncheon sky, the first rice, the nation’s first Miracle Library, the nation’s first Miracle Playground, the nation’s first Suncheonman Garden, and many other things to be proud of exist. I hope Suncheon citizens take pride in being from Suncheon and boast about it confidently.

Q. Do you have any favorite songs, alcoholic beverages, and how much do you drink?

A. Recently, through the program ‘Mr. Trot,’ I learned and enjoy singing the songs ‘A Glass of Makgeolli’ and ‘Thank You.’ I believe alcohol and smoking are harmful, so I quit both and now write instead of drinking and smoking.

Q. Could you introduce a person you respect?

A. Undoubtedly, Admiral Yi Sun-sin and our ancestors from Honam who protected the country with their lives. Without the Jeolla Left Naval Command’s Turtle Ship, Joseon could not have lasted 500 years.

Despite being dismissed three times and serving twice as a common soldier during his 22 years of official service, Admiral Yi Sun-sin risked death and went to the battlefield, thinking only of saving the country and the people, embodying the spirit of defense and protection of the people and the patriotic spirit of the Imjin War militia!

I respect Admiral Yi Sun-sin and all those who appear in overcoming national crises.

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