Seodaeseok, Mayor of Gwangju Seo-gu, "Will Lead Next Year's District Administration Based on Reflection and Determination"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Seo Daeseok, Mayor of Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, attracted attention by delivering a year-end address reflecting on the past year based on sincere reflection and determination rather than achievements or accomplishments.

On the 30th, according to Seo-gu, Mayor Seo began his year-end address by stating that there were results beyond expectations, such as achieving the highest grade in the basic local government pledge fulfillment and information disclosure evaluation, winning four awards in the health and welfare sector, and being selected for five consecutive years as an excellent case at the National Residents’ Autonomy Expo.

He then reflected that the response to proactively protect residents’ safety during disaster situations was insufficient.

Although the flood damage last summer was caused by heavy rain exceeding the 200-year flood level, he admitted limitations in disaster response capabilities for residents’ safety, such as improving the drainage gate management system through prior consultation with related agencies.

He also confessed that the infectious disease response system was inadequate due to the long-term vacancy of the head of the public health center, who should have led the frontline efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the local community.

Regarding the conflict resolution in the Hwajeong 1-dong 2nd District Residential Environment Improvement Project, he said that although efforts were made to normalize the project by preparing a mediation plan, the project progress was sluggish due to disagreements among stakeholders, which was regrettable.

In addition, he expressed regret over delays in the construction of the complex community center, the creation of the Sangmu District public parking lot, and the construction of the Doodream Complex Cultural Center, which were not properly realized despite multifaceted efforts.

In particular, he stated that the recent controversy over the unauthorized exemption of illegal parking fines damaged the trust in administration and violated the fundamental value of people-centered administration that should be pursued. He reiterated his determination to take this incident as a lesson, restore public service discipline, and do his best to regain administrative credibility.

Meanwhile, Mayor Seo concluded his year-end address by saying that in the Year of the Ox 2021, he will move forward step by step toward his goals with the spirit of ‘Ubo Cheonri (牛步千里)’?meaning “slow but steady progress.”

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