'Gangnam Gentleman' 4-term Kim Hyun-ki, Seoul City Council Member: "Urgent to Correct 12 Years of Wrong Practices and Operations in the Democratic Party Assembly"

Clean manners and unmatched drive: Expecting great contributions from Assemblyman Kim in the 11th Seoul Metropolitan Council

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Kim Hyun-ki, a Seoul city council member from the People Power Party representing Gangnam District 3, known as the "Gangnam Gentleman," was elected in the June 1 local elections, marking his fourth term as the longest-serving Seoul city council member. He is expected to play a significant role in the 11th Seoul Metropolitan Council.

Having spent 20 years as an aide to a prominent National Assembly member, meticulously studying and examining the national budget, Kim is a veteran city council member who has now served 17 years since his first election.

During his three terms as a Seoul city council member, Kim became well-known for his deep understanding of Seoul’s finances, often surprising the mayor with his insightful questions during city administration sessions.

He also expanded Bamgogae, a chronically congested area, from 2.3 km of 6 lanes to 8 lanes to alleviate citizens' traffic inconveniences following the move-in of residents to public housing. Additionally, he has been promoting the construction of the Yangjae-daero underground road, a multi-billion won project, which is progressing smoothly.

Kim is expected to take on a major role in the 11th Seoul Metropolitan Council, which begins its term on July 1.

First, a wave of change is anticipated to sweep through the city council.

In an interview with this publication, Kim said, “We must faithfully execute and oversee the use of citizens’ tax money with deep consideration. Also, it is urgent to correct the wrong practices and operations that have persisted during the 12 years of the Democratic Party’s council majority.”

We look forward to the changes Kim, unmatched in his drive, will bring to the 11th Seoul Metropolitan Council. Below is a Q&A with Councilor Kim.

1. What is your fundamental philosophy in politics?

Protecting the vulnerable. Our society inevitably produced socially vulnerable groups during its rapid growth. Protection of low-income urban residents is especially urgent.

Although national income has reached advanced country levels, there remain groups that have not escaped absolute poverty. Protecting these groups is the realm of politics.

My background as a social worker also stems from this belief.

Gangnam-gu in Seoul is often called a wealthy district. However, if you look a little closer, there are residents waiting for our help. Gangnam-gu has the highest number of residents living in poor housing conditions, such as in Guryong Village, in Seoul. Also, among the 25 district offices, Gangnam-gu ranks third in the number of rental housing units. All these areas are within my electoral district.

Protecting the socially vulnerable is something I never forget, not even for a moment.

2. What are your major achievements and sources of pride as a three-term city council member?

All the projects I have pursued have been rewarding. While some involved large budgets, many small-budget initiatives have greatly impacted the lives of ordinary citizens.

For example, most rental apartments have corridor-style layouts. When you open the front door, cold winds blow in during winter. I installed cold-proof windows in the corridors of such apartments during my first term. Even now, I remember the smile and gratitude of an elderly resident who felt the warmth.

My main focus areas have been transportation, environment, and education.

First, following the move-in to public housing, I expanded Bamgogae, a chronically congested area, from 2.3 km of 6 lanes to 8 lanes, relieving traffic inconvenience for citizens.

Also, I have promoted the Yangjae-daero underground road construction, a large-scale project involving billions of won, which is progressing smoothly.

Next is the environmental sector.

I covered the Tancheon sewage treatment plant, which caused severe odor problems and resident distress, creating a pleasant residential environment. This project also involved billions of won, and after covering it, a park spanning tens of thousands of pyeong was created, transforming the area into a place for residents to exercise and relax.

Additionally, I restored the natural environment by constructing five ecological overpasses connecting the ridges of Daemosan and Guryongsan Mountains, which had been damaged and fragmented during development. This has been truly rewarding.

Education is the essence and existence of Gangnam.

There are about 1,300 elementary, middle, and high schools in Seoul. Seoul has 100 city council electoral districts, averaging 13 schools per district.

However, my district has as many as 35 schools. It is an educational special zone.

Among these, I focused first on building multipurpose auditoriums in elementary and middle schools. Most have been completed. Seeing children participate in various programs in these auditoriums brings a smile to my face.

Also, many schools built during Gangnam’s development are now about 40 years old, with facilities more outdated than those in northern Seoul. They have also suffered from discrimination between Gangnam and northern Seoul, resulting in delayed renovations.

Supporting these schools with substantial budgets to improve their facilities has been a great source of pride.

Parents are all my supporters.

3. How did you spend the four-year gap period?

I lost the 2018 election amid a political storm. It was shocking. I had devoted myself to work for 12 years over three terms without taking a single vacation. Yet, I lost the election. Even though I was not an incumbent, residents in my district brought all their complaints to me.

So, I gathered courage. I formed and have been running a volunteer group called “Gangnam Minsaeng Together” with like-minded residents. I have met residents on-site to address issues such as redevelopment, waste incinerators, sewage treatment plants, school problems, and welfare counseling for the poor. It was very rewarding and made me more humble.

4. What will be your role as a four-term Seoul city council member?

Experience alone does not matter; what matters is doing the job properly.

The slogan for this election was “Heart like a first-timer, ability like a four-term member.”

I will humbly follow the will of the residents and fulfill my campaign promises.

Also, as a multi-term member, if given the opportunity in the council, I will do my part to contribute to the council’s development.

There are 86 first-term members in this Seoul Metropolitan Council.

As a senior member, I will share my diverse experiences and cases with junior members to help them focus on their legislative activities quickly.

5. What is your ideal vision for the Seoul Metropolitan Council?

The council is a representative body of the citizens. It must faithfully fulfill the roles entrusted by the citizens.

First, it must promptly create laws and systems necessary for citizens. It should continuously identify areas for improvement in city administration, enact ordinances, and ensure their implementation.

Next is thorough review and feedback on the budget. Lawmaking and budget review are the two main functions of the council.

It must faithfully execute and oversee the use of citizens’ tax money with deep consideration.

Also, it is urgent to correct the wrong practices and operations that have persisted during the 12 years of the Democratic Party’s council majority.

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