Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok Completes '22 City and County Dialogues with Residents' Grand Journey

Since 2019, After 2 Years... A Total of 204 Cases and 16 Billion KRW Project Funding Requests

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, visited all 22 cities and counties to engage in candid conversations with residents, listening to their voices not only on-site but also through Zoom and YouTube, collecting difficulties and suggestions to reflect them in provincial administration.

According to Jeonnam Province on the 30th, the grand tour of "Dialogue with Residents of 22 Cities and Counties with Governor Kim Young-rok" concluded on the 25th with Wando County. This was the first time in two years since 2019.

Considering the COVID-19 situation, this dialogue minimized on-site attendance mainly to vaccinated individuals, while encouraging broader participation through online communication via Zoom and live streaming on YouTube, gathering extensive opinions. Approximately 44,000 residents participated in the dialogue (4,000 on-site and 40,000 via YouTube).

Governor Kim explained the major achievements and policies of the 7th local government term and listened to local issues from cities and counties, personally presiding over the dialogue and providing clear answers.

Even to somewhat difficult questions, he listened attentively until the end, communicating with empathy by considering residents' perspectives and jointly contemplating solutions.

A parent from an elementary school in Jangseong, who courageously requested the improvement of safe routes for children’s commuting, said, "My heart was touched when the governor promised support, saying that the safety of our children, who are our future, is the top priority."

During the dialogue with residents, a total of 204 cases requesting 16 billion KRW in project funding were proposed.

There were 23 cases requesting financial support from cities and counties amounting to 11 billion KRW, and 181 cases from residents. Among these, 29 cases were excluded as they were simple inquiries about the governor’s opinion or were already planned to be pursued by the cities and counties and thus concluded on-site. The remaining 175 cases will undergo review by the relevant provincial departments and necessary measures such as project funding support will be taken.

Governor Kim emphasized, "Dialogue with residents is an opportunity to explain and share provincial issues in detail on-site, as well as a venue to collect policy proposals for provincial development and difficulties and suggestions felt in daily life to reflect them in provincial administration. It was a precious opportunity to deeply feel the residents’ positive support and encouragement for Jeonnam’s development once again, and I will continue to carry out field-oriented provincial administration as a governor who empowers residents."

He added, "Jeonnam’s pristine natural environment and warm community culture of autonomy and coexistence are important assets to respond to future changes such as the upcoming 4th Industrial Revolution era, climate change, and energy transition. Based on the residents’ passionate support and encouragement, I will do my best for a ‘Newer, Happier, and Leading Jeonnam.’"

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