Baekho Passes Hearing as Candidate for President of Seoul Metro (Comprehensive)

Baekho Seoul Transportation Corporation President Nominee Hearing to be Held on the 17th... Nominee Baekho’s Expertise Evident from His Tenure as Seoul City Urban Transportation Director and Clear Responses

The personnel hearing for Baekho, the nominee for president of Seoul Transportation Corporation, began at 10 a.m. on the 17th.

The Seoul Metropolitan Council’s special committee for the personnel hearing of the Seoul Transportation Corporation president held a plenary session chaired by Chairman Lee Byung-yoon shortly after 10 a.m. to verify Baekho’s qualifications and management capabilities.

Chairman Lee Byung-yoon stated, “We are starting the verification process for the president nominee who will lead Seoul Transportation Corporation, the largest local public enterprise in Korea with a budget of 4.1 trillion won and about 16,000 employees, for the next three years.”

Following this, nominee Baekho said, “To ensure the safety management of the subway used by 7 million citizens daily, I will make bold investments in replacing aging facilities and do my best to overcome the financial crisis caused by the fare freeze for eight years, ensuring smooth preparations for the next 50 years.”

Then, Assemblyman Kim Kyung and others began their formal questioning. Assemblyman Kim asked, “The expected deficit this year is 1.68 trillion won. What measures do you have to address this?”

Nominee Baekho replied, “Basically, we will ensure financial stability through the corporation’s own self-help efforts, rapid sale of owned real estate, passing on user costs, and national government subsidies.”

Assemblyman Kim Yong-il suggested, “Please gather opinions from the young (MZ) union members among the corporation’s employees and make efforts to improve management,” and recommended reintroducing the vice president system that was abolished about ten years ago.

In response, nominee Baekho said, “I will consider it.”

Assemblyman Jung Ji-woong asked, “What was the reason behind purchasing a large number of water meters at once during your tenure as head of the Waterworks Headquarters?”

Nominee Baekho answered, “Lead was detected in bronze water meters, so before my appointment, poly water meters, which are excellent products procured through the Public Procurement Service, were purchased. I understand that 500 million won out of the 1 billion won budget was purchased through the Public Procurement Service’s purchasing procedures.”

Next, Assemblywoman Yoon Young-hee asked, “During Mayor Park Won-soon’s tenure, 1,285 indefinite-term contract workers such as bathhouse, restaurant, and beauty workers were converted to regular positions. Are you aware of the unfair issues that arose with young employees who were hired through high competition rates? What is your view on fairness in personnel recruitment?”

Nominee Baekho responded, “If I become president, I will realize innovation and fairness values and resolve the corporation’s difficulties.”

Assemblyman Sung Heum-je said, “Previous presidents made many promises during hearings but did little after stepping down,” urging nominee Baekho to achieve tangible results.

Nominee Baekho replied, “Raising subway fares by 100 won would generate an annual revenue of 110 billion won. As the Changdong vehicle depot owned by the corporation moves to Jinjeop, with Seoul City bearing the costs, we will improve management by sharing the profits generated from the Changdong depot relocation site between Seoul City and the corporation.”

He added, “Especially, with the GTX-A line opening in April next year, it is predicted that subway Line 3 ridership in Seoul will decrease by 12%. Securing the operating rights of the GTX-A line for 30 years will allow us to generate steady revenue.”

He also emphasized the need to raise subway fares, saying, “Although we will make management improvements through developing the Sadang Station site transfer center and the upper parts of DMC Station and Suseo Station, these are not fundamental solutions.”

He further mentioned, “Last year in Germany, a ‘9-euro public transportation ticket’ valid for one month was issued and gained popularity. This year, a 49-euro ticket is planned. We will implement various measures accordingly.”

Assemblyman Lim Kyu-ho raised suspicions of speculation by questioning Baekho about his purchase of a Han River Mansion apartment in Ichon-dong for 2.24 billion won on November 4, 2020.

However, nominee Baekho denied the speculation allegations, stating that he purchased the house to move in after selling his house in Bangbae-dong and after its reconstruction.

Judging from the hearing held this morning for nominee Baekho, the hearing proceeded without major issues, and his appointment is expected to be smooth.

Nominee Baekho served as Seoul City Urban Transportation Director until the end of last year and is well acquainted with the detailed aspects of Seoul Transportation Corporation, confidently answering the assembly members’ questions.

The Baekho president nominee hearing special committee is expected to adopt the hearing report today, and he will likely receive his appointment letter from Mayor Oh Se-hoon on the 23rd.

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