[Interview] Choi Byung-bae, Suncheon City Council Member: "I Will Be the Echo as the Citizens' 'Sorikkun'"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] “A council member who becomes an echo conveying the voice of citizens” We had an interview with Choi Byung-bae, a member of the Suncheon City Council who calls himself a ‘sorikkun’ (a traditional Korean storyteller), to hear his thoughts after spending two years in the first half of his term as a first-term council member, his legislative activities so far, and his plans for the remaining term.

Q. What would you say about the two years you spent in the first half of the council as a first-term member?

A. The past two years were a time to feel and learn about the operation of the Suncheon City Council and council administration firsthand. Especially for me as a first-term member, it was a precious time during which I learned even more from citizens and complainants while experiencing grassroots politics.

Also, it was a hectic time spent on the development of my constituency, resolving complaints, and addressing current issues in Suncheon City, and before I knew it, two years of legislative life had passed.

Q. If you were to pick a proud ordinance proposal or a rewarding achievement from your legislative activities in the first half, what would it be?

A. The role of a grassroots politician like a city council member is naturally to work for the citizens. Therefore, rather than pride, the most rewarding moments come when resolving citizens’ inconveniences or complaints. Believing that ‘the answer lies in the field,’ I have been running around to convey the voices of more citizens and complainants to the city administration.

Many people joined efforts to prevent the closure of the KBS Suncheon Broadcasting Station, and in particular, I emphasized the role and necessity of the KBS Suncheon Broadcasting Station as a public broadcaster fulfilling the mission of the press and the right to know of local residents.

Although not yet finalized, the recent news that the ‘withdrawal of the closure of the KBS Suncheon Broadcasting Station’ is being positively reviewed is the most rewarding event, which I believe is the result of the efforts of many, including National Assembly member So Byung-chul.

Q. Could you introduce the issue in your constituency that you have focused on the most?

A. The biggest pending project in my constituency is the road construction between Pungjeon Gas Station and Duji Village. The road construction in this section will help disperse traffic and alleviate congestion at the Jorye Intersection, among other benefits, so I am paying close attention to ensure its early completion.

Also, the road construction connecting Wangji, Hyeonnam Village, and Daedong Village is an urgent issue that I am focusing on promoting.

Meanwhile, my constituency includes Seomyeon and Wangjo 1-dong. We are working together with fellow local council members to secure budgets following the confirmation of the construction of the ‘Seomyeon Comprehensive Welfare Center (Northern Comprehensive Welfare Center)’ and the ‘Wangjo-dong Health Living Center,’ which have been long-standing wishes of Seomyeon residents, as well as to ensure the success of the ‘Yonggyesan Project,’ which Suncheon City is prioritizing.

Q. Do you have any special determination as you enter the second half of the council term?

A. Through my legislative activities in the first half, I have learned a lot. Now, I believe it is time to utilize and put into practice what I have learned. Also, as I was courteous as a first-term member in the first half, in the second half, I intend to properly convey the voice of the citizens’ resonance.

I will work hard to be a council member who is more faithful in checking and monitoring the executive branch, fulfilling the basic role of a grassroots politician as a ‘council member who runs on foot’ and ‘a member who finds answers on site,’ fully accomplishing the development of my constituency, resolving complaints, and 100% fulfilling my campaign promises to become a council member praised by citizens.

Q. What song do you often sing, and what kind of alcoholic beverages and drinking amount do you prefer?

A. I often sing ‘Ppunigo’ by singer Park Gu-yoon. It was also the campaign logo song in the last local election, and I like to sing it with the lyrics changed to ‘Choi Byung-bae Ppunigo.’ It means I will work hard enough to be praised by the residents of my constituency as ‘Choi Byung-bae Ppunigo.’

Since becoming a city council member, I have stopped drinking alcohol. I never know when a complainant or citizen might call me, so I stay on standby. Also, meeting many people and going here and there, even drinking a small amount might eventually burden my body.

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

A. The person I respect the most is President Moon Jae-in. I believe that President Moon’s gentle and warm charisma, combined with his love for the people (愛民) and loyalty (忠情) shown during national crises (國難), is creating a new Republic of Korea.

As a grassroots politician and Suncheon city council member, I have engraved President Moon Jae-in’s words, “People come first,” in my heart. Suncheon City will also do its utmost to build a Suncheon where “citizens come first.”

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

A. The garden city Suncheon is stepping up as an ecological economy city. The 3E project has begun to protect our precious ecology and revitalize the economy through excellent education and talent development.

We are doing our best together with Mayor Heo Seok of Suncheon and fellow council members, both seniors and juniors, to build a more comfortable, safe, happy city with a thriving economy. Citizens, please trust us and show great interest.

We understand well that citizens are facing many difficulties due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Fortunately, our Suncheon is a clean area. Now is the time for all of us to unite and protect Suncheon from COVID-19.

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