"My Story Becomes Politics"... Launch of Boryeong Youth Political Group 'PoliTalk'

Youth Led by Former Aides to Kim Taeheum and Jang Donghyeok
A Signal for Generational Change in Boryeong's Youth Politics

A political group called 'PoliTalk' has been launched in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, where young people from the region are directly seeking solutions to local issues and exploring policy alternatives.

The political study group, which began with the phrase "I hope my story becomes a political story," is a new experiment in youth politics in Boryeong, responding to cynicism toward established politics with participation and innovation.

According to a comprehensive report by The Asia Business Daily on November 10, 2025, a new wave of youth politics is sweeping through Boryeong ahead of next year's local elections.

As enthusiasm for participation among young political newcomers rises across party lines, the political study group named 'PoliTalk' is drawing attention both within and outside the local community.

At the first 'PoliTalk' session held on November 7, seven local youths attended and held discussions on topics such as improving the management of local festivals, expanding bidding opportunities for young small business owners, and revitalizing traditional markets and commercial districts.

This forum was led by Han Manhyeong, former secretary to the Governor of South Chungcheong Province, Kim Taeheum, and Yoo Byeonghyo, secretary to the People Power Party's representative Jang Donghyeok.

The two stated, "Politics should not be the exclusive domain of a select few, but should be closely connected to the lives of citizens," and announced plans to continue these dialogues with young people on a weekly or biweekly basis.

Participants at the event offered practical suggestions based on their own experiences and perspectives.

Kim Jiho, head of the Boryeong Small Business Association, said, "After running a business in the region for eight years, I have experienced both the potential and the limitations of Boryeong," and emphasized, "Young people need to participate more deeply in the local economy and administration."

Shin Jaeuk, head of the Boryeong-Seocheon branch of the People Power Party's Youth Committee, stressed, "We need politics for the citizens, not for ourselves."

Secretary Yoo said, "While assisting Governor Kim Taeheum and Representative Jang Donghyeok in the National Assembly, I learned the virtues of politicians and the essence of policy," adding, "Now, politics in Boryeong must also evolve to be policy-centered."

He also remarked, "If the city council remains a battleground for party rivalry, citizens will inevitably become weary. A greater influx of young political newcomers is needed to create a forum for productive policy debate."

Former secretary Han diagnosed, "'PoliTalk' is a space to discover policies through everyday conversations and to enhance the sense of efficacy among young politicians," adding, "The problem was not low political participation, but rather the sense of disconnection from actual representation."

He continued, "I started this with the hope that my story could become a political story," and emphasized, "By combining the experience of older generations with the sensibility of youth, we will practice smart administration and creative innovation."

Meanwhile, four out of the seven 'PoliTalk' participants are preparing to run as People Power Party candidates for basic and metropolitan council seats in next year's local elections.

They are aiming for substantial, region-centered change and generational transition beyond party lines, signaling a fresh shift in Boryeong's political landscape.

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