[Interview] An Jong-suk, Chairperson of Seocho District Council, "Proud of Innovative Changes to Become a Council That Empowers Residents"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] "It was only possible to complete my term as chairperson without any major disciplinary actions thanks to the unwavering support and encouragement from the residents. I want to express my deepest gratitude."

On the 2nd, Chairperson An Jong-sook, the first 'Democratic Party of Korea chairperson' and the first 'female chairperson' since the opening of Seocho District Council, shared her reflections on her two-year term upon retirement.

Chairperson An said, "Above all, I believe I have worked hard to break long-standing practices and ensure that the residents' will is fully reflected in district administration, guided by the belief of 'Pasa Hyeonjeong (破邪顯正)'?breaking the wrong and establishing the right. I also take pride in having innovated and transformed the council through active legislative activities to become a council that truly empowers the residents."

Below is a Q&A with Chairperson An.

- How do you feel about completing your term?

▲ Amid mixed emotions, I am stepping down from the chairperson position at the end of this session. I earnestly hoped that the many big and small decisions I made among numerous choices would reach the residents without any issues. Although every day was challenging due to the responsibility of the council’s role for the residents, looking back, even the times of anguish were rewarding and joyful.

- How would you evaluate the first half of the Seocho District Council?

▲ The 15 council members have carried out intense legislative activities under the banner of "a just council that empowers residents," both individually and collectively. The processing of 207 agenda items, including 56 proposals initiated by council members, is evidence of the most active legislative activity ever. Above all, I believe we have worked hard to break long-standing practices and ensure that the residents' will is fully reflected in district administration, guided by the belief of 'Pasa Hyeonjeong (破邪顯正)'?breaking the wrong and establishing the right. I also take pride in having innovated and transformed the council through active legislative activities to become a council that truly empowers the residents.

- What are the specific achievements of the first half of the Seocho District Council?

▲ I want to emphasize that we have not neglected efforts to create a warmer and happier Seocho, as well as the council’s fundamental role of monitoring and checking the executive branch. We moved away from a passive council that waits for residents to come to us and took the lead in going directly to the field to listen to residents' opinions and resolve inconveniences.

For the first time among Seoul’s basic councils, we appointed a civil complaint advisory group composed of experts in various fields and provided free one-on-one customized consultations for residents’ inconveniences. Despite being a fledgling project, the explosive response from pre-registrations was so great that we could not accommodate all applicants in the tax and legal fields and had to put some on a waiting list. Through the two sessions of the 'Visiting Council Consultation Room Seocho Council High,' the council was able to become a source of comfort and strength for those burdened by the hardships of life and feeling isolated.

The five volunteer activities conducted with funds saved from reducing the chairperson’s office expenses are also memorable. These were not one-time events but consistent and proactive volunteer activities that delivered messages of hope so that no one would be left out in Seocho. As part of a council that studies and researches, we also did not neglect strengthening the capabilities of council members.

We established an efficient legislative activity system by enhancing expertise through activities such as the Autonomous Regulations Research Group, a council research group, and 11 sessions of education and seminars.

Lastly, for mutual development among autonomous district councils, we signed friendship exchange agreements with Hongseong County Council and Yeonggwang County, and concluded a business agreement with neighboring Gangnam and Songpa District Councils for "balanced local autonomy development and the creation of a happy regional community," holding regular meetings. I take pride in saying that these various efforts have collectively empowered residents and advanced the council as a more just institution.

- Any regrets?

▲ I regret not being able to try more projects due to COVID-19. For example, I wanted to promote university student supporter activities. It would have greatly helped increase public interest in the district council’s legislative activities and foster creative ordinances or strengthen policies, so this is a big regret.

- What should the council focus on in the second half?

▲ I hope the council will faithfully fulfill its fundamental role of monitoring and checking the executive branch.

Also, I hope projects like the well-received visiting council consultation room and volunteer activities from the first half will be further developed. Above all, all council members must not lose the initial resolve they had when the 8th Seocho District Council was launched and work harder to become a trusted council. Through this, I believe the council should continue to be a reliable partner for the residents in the second half of the term as well.

- Any message for the residents?

▲ "Hwayangyeonhwa (花樣年華)"?a phrase expressing the most beautiful and happiest moments in life. When I look back in the distant future, I think the days I worked for Seocho will be remembered as such. It was a great fortune and joy to serve as the chairperson of the dignified and excellent 450,000 Seocho residents. The new chairperson will continue the work I could not complete. I ask for your generous support and encouragement for the new chairperson and the team, just as you have given me.

Now, I will lay down the heavy burden of being chairperson and meet the residents more closely and warmly. As a neighboring district council member, I will take the lead in creating a warm daily life for you. I hope the footsteps I have left over the past two years have become a small milestone for someone. Wherever I am in the future, I will continue to take steps that I am not ashamed of.

As the prolonged COVID-19 situation continues, everyone is going through a difficult and challenging time. Until the day we regain our precious "daily lives," the Seocho District Council will overcome the current difficulties together with the residents. Please take care of your health as the weather gets hotter, and I wish peace and happiness to every household. Thank you.

Meanwhile, the Seocho District Council plans to elect a new chairperson and vice-chairperson at the 2nd plenary session on the 3rd.