Seoul Metropolitan Council: Is There a Breakthrough for the 'Uncomfortable Cohabitation'?

Frustration Expressed Over Failure to Decide on Seoul City Council Secretariat Chief Appointed During Previous Executive Team

Senior Official Implies Dissatisfaction, Saying "It's Been Almost a Year Since the New Executive Team Took Office, Yet There Is No Communication with Seoul City and No Decision Has Been Made"

Noteworthy That Over 70% of Heads of Government Investment Institutions Appointed by Former Moon Jae-in Administration Still Hold Their Positions Even After One Year of Yoon Seok-yeol Government

The Seoul City Council executive team seems unable to shake off the feeling of carrying a heavy burden on their shoulders, drawing attention.

A senior council official appealed, "It has been almost a year since the 10th elected Seoul City Council executive team took office, but the council's chief administrative officer is still holding the position, causing difficulties in communication with Seoul City and others."

Specifically, it was heard that the Secretariat Chief of the City Council (Grade 1), appointed by the previous executive team, is still in office, leading to disruptions and improper functioning.

The former chairman group led by Kim In-ho appointed the Secretariat Chief, a Grade 1 position, through a public recruitment just before their term ended.

Previously, this Grade 1 position was held by a senior Seoul City official. Smooth cooperation with Seoul City is essential for the council's work to proceed smoothly.

Because of this, there were many voices at the time questioning, "Why not appoint someone from Seoul City to facilitate communication with the city instead of choosing an outsider?"

Nevertheless, the previous executive team selected a senior official from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, emphasizing the importance of communication with the ministry for the enactment of the Local Council Act.

However, since the appointment through public recruitment, there have been no notable achievements, leading to considerable dissatisfaction within the newly formed executive team.

In particular, the Secretariat Chief of the City Council holds a very important position that requires not only communication with the chairman group and leadership of the council's civil servant organization but also effective communication with Seoul City and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to produce results.

However, difficulties have arisen even in communication with the chairman group, placing the individual in an ambiguous position.

Although one year has passed since the launch of the Yoon Seok-yeol government, more than 70% of heads of government investment institutions appointed by the former Moon Jae-in administration still hold their positions, causing conflicts; a similar phenomenon is appearing in the Seoul City Council.

A senior council official expressed, "Although about five months remain in the term, there is no communication with Seoul City at all, which is regrettable," and hoped for a prompt decision.

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