[Interview] Kim Seon-gap, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, "Will Prioritize Residents' Safety and Launch an All-Out Effort"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] "We reaffirm that prioritizing the safety of district residents is the role of the district office."

Kim Seon-gap, Mayor of Gwangjin District Office, recently met with reporters and evaluated the successful response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), saying, "It was possible thanks to the cooperation of mature civic awareness, dedication of medical staff, participation of volunteers, and donations from residents." Gwangjin District confirmed cases totaled only 15, including 7 imported cases, 6 from Itaewon clubs, and 2 from contact with other regions, with no cases of community transmission. The following is a Q&A.

▲ What is the status of support for the local economy? = To provide a stepping stone for recovery to small business owners who suffered economic damage, a total of 40.6 billion KRW in emergency operating funds was invested. In particular, through the fastest supplementary budget among Seoul autonomous districts, 5 billion KRW was secured for the 'Gwangjin-type Emergency Operating Fund.' Due to high demand and early depletion of the emergency operating fund, 30.8 billion KRW out of the existing 35.6 billion KRW emergency operating funds is being offered with benefits of zero interest and exemption from guarantee fees for up to 20 million KRW per person for one year. In addition, ▲ early execution of local finances amounting to 147.1 billion KRW ▲ prioritizing local companies in private contracts ▲ extension of payment deadlines for local taxes, etc. were implemented.

▲ What are the major achievements in the two years since taking office and during the 7th local government term? = The urban planning service for the future development of Gwangjin District, which comprehensively reviews Gwangjin’s urban planning, was completed. Compared to other districts with similar locations, Gwangjin District has not achieved sufficient development. Based on the service results, in February, Mayor Park Won-soon of Seoul was visited to request the expansion of commercial areas in Gwangjin District and the lifting of the maximum height zone designation in Children’s Grand Park. Along with this, efforts were made to enable social economy enterprises to become self-sustaining and create jobs. The '2019 Gwangjin District Social Economy Expo' was held to provide opportunities to sell and promote products and brands of social economy enterprises. The Gwangjin Welfare Foundation, launched in October last year, aims to enhance the welfare of district residents. It is expected to contribute to creating a 'warm Gwangjin' without blind spots.

▲ What are the major plans for the future? = Plans will be established to foster five major hubs (Konkuk University Station, Guui Station, Gunja Station, Gwangnaru Station, Junggok Station) to develop industry clusters by region. Above all, the upzoning of poor low-rise residential areas will be enforced. Thorough and efficient consultations with Seoul City will be achieved. Also, the area around Guui Station will be developed as a testbed for advanced industries to promote improvement of local commercial districts and residential environments. The comprehensive medical complex in Junggok-dong is scheduled to be completed early next year, which is expected to improve residents’ convenience in daily life.

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