[New Year Interview] Heo Seong-gon, Mayor of Gimhae, "I will lead with unwavering focus on citizens' happiness"

Mayor Heo Seong-gon of Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam, explaining about municipal administration

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] The 7th term of Mayor Heo Seong-gon set a goal of creating 100,000 jobs. Last year, achieving more than half of the target, significant accomplishments were made, including the establishment of a university hospital-level general hospital and attracting eight domestic mid-sized companies, earning the best performance record in history.

In 2021, marking the 40th anniversary of Gimhae City's elevation in Gyeongnam, Mayor Heo Seong-gon, who pledged to lead the city administration "steadfastly focusing only on citizens' happiness" under the catchphrase of resolving youth unemployment, revitalizing the local economy, building a competitively sustainable city, and creating a new Gimhae through culture, was interviewed by Asia Economy.

Below is a Q&A with Mayor Heo.

- What was the biggest achievement and the most regrettable aspect during the particularly difficult past year?

▲ From the citizens' perspective, I believe that what is valuable is the most meaningful achievement, so every year we conduct a 'Top 10 City Administration' survey among citizens. As a result, last year, the top city administration achievement selected was the 'Attraction of the National Forest Healing Center.'

It is planned to be completed by 2024 with an investment of 200 billion KRW in Geumdong Mountain, Sangdong-myeon. It is the only national forest healing center in Busan and Gyeongnam, and with the spread of COVID-19 increasing the value of forest recreation and healing, I think citizens paid close attention to this.

The most regrettable point last year was that we could not provide more support to small business owners and citizens suffering from the impact of COVID-19.

Although more than 240 billion KRW of city budget was invested related to COVID-19, it was far too little for citizens enduring severe hardship. However, with tax and finances concentrated in the central government and serious financial imbalance among local governments, there were limits to providing more support with city finances alone. That is very regrettable and I feel deeply apologetic.

- I understand this year marks the 40th anniversary of Gimhae's elevation to city status.

▲ It was exactly elevated to city status on July 1, 1981. Our city has grown from a population of 170,000 to 560,000 in just 40 years, and the budget from 12.7 billion KRW to 1.9044 trillion KRW, transforming from an agriculture-based industry to a city with 7,000 companies.

Although we have grown significantly over 40 years, there is no guarantee of continued growth. To maintain competitiveness, the responsibility of our public officials is heavy. In human age, forty is called 'Buhwok (不惑),' meaning not to be shaken by any temptation. As it has been so far, I will continue to lead the city administration unwaveringly, focusing solely on citizens' happiness.

- What is the top priority task for Gimhae City on its 40th anniversary of elevation?

▲ Above all, the most important issue is livelihood. Therefore, this year’s top priority is economic revitalization and job creation.

The population cliff and local extinction have emerged as social issues. For sustainable development of local cities, a foundation must be created so that young people do not move to the metropolitan area but can live in their hometowns. For that, the economy must thrive and good jobs must be plentiful.

So far, our city has restructured from a traditional heavy and chemical industry structure to medical and life sciences industries, advanced industries, and IT convergence industries, promoted smart factories to enhance corporate competitiveness, and worked hard to create good jobs.

Moreover, last year, we focused on strategic investment attraction, leading to investment agreements exceeding 1 trillion KRW and creating 4,000 new jobs.

This year, we will continue to upgrade the industrial structure through smart manufacturing innovation and focus on fostering the medical and life sciences small and medium research and development special zone to achieve the goal of creating 100,000 good jobs.

- I heard Gimhae City was designated as a legal cultural city by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism?

▲ On the 7th, we were designated as a legal cultural city. It is the first in the province, the first in the Gaya cultural area, and the first historical and tradition-centered type. Especially, after a setback last year, we succeeded in designation after reapplying, making it a more valuable achievement.

The 21st century is called the century of culture, and culture has become a new indicator of urban competitiveness. We consider the selection as a cultural city not an end but a beginning and will use it as a motive to change the city’s future and identity.

From this year until 2025, we will invest up to 20 billion KRW, including 10 billion KRW of national funds, and do our best to create a new Gimhae through culture together with citizens.

- Lastly, any message for the citizens of Gimhae?

▲ The time of enduring COVID-19 has been long, and I think many citizens are tired and struggling. I thank the citizens who have overcome the infectious disease disaster together with a mature community spirit. I hope COVID-19 will end this year so that I can see the bright faces of citizens hidden behind masks.

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