Shin Sujeong, Gwangju Council Chair, Delivers Special Lecture to Youth

"Allow Politics for Youth" as the Theme
Emphasizing the Importance of Youth Participation in Politics

Shin Sujeong, chairman of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council, was recently invited as a lecturer for the opening of the 3rd Political School hosted by the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, giving a special lecture to about 40 students. Photo by Gwangju Metropolitan Council

Shin Sujeong, chairman of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council, was recently invited as a lecturer for the opening of the 3rd Political School hosted by the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, where she delivered a special lecture to about 40 students.

In her lecture, Shin focused on the theme "Allow Politics for Youth," emphasizing the necessity of youth participation in politics and the value of democracy.

Shin stated, "Politics is the process of deciding and cultivating the life of a community together, and it is a system completed through the participation of democratic citizens. Youth also have both the right and responsibility to participate in politics as members of society."

She continued, "Democracy is not something that is given in a complete form; it is a process that all citizens must continuously protect and develop. Young people must fully realize this."

Shin particularly highlighted, "In the novel 'The Boy Is Coming' by author Han Kang, there is a question: 'Can the past help the present? Can the dead save the living?' The only way we can answer that question is by remembering the sacrifices of the past and moving forward with actions that change the present."

She added, "Gwangju is a city of democracy, and the Gwangju spirit is both a responsibility and a source of pride that you, the youth, must carry on. Young people are not just the owners of the future, but also the agents of change today."

Meanwhile, the "Youth Political School" has been operated by the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education since 2023 to foster youth participation in debate, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate democratic citizenship.

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