Who Forced Yudonggyun, Mayor of Mapo-gu, into a Hunger Strike?

Mapo-gu Mayor Yoodonggyun on 6th Day of Hunger Strike Amid Residents' Backlash Against Unilateral Government Plan for Sangam-dong Apartment Construction... "Not Opposing Government Policy, But Should Consult Local Officials Given Predictable Resident Opposition," Proposes Formation of Consultative Body Among Ministry of Land, Seoul City, Mapo-gu, and Residents

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Yoodonggyun, Mayor of Mapo District, is on the 6th day of a hunger strike at the temporary ‘On-site Mayor’s Office’ set up in front of the district office as of the 15th.

The government unilaterally announced a 'housing supply plan for 6,200 households in the Sangam-dong area' on the 4th, which has sparked strong opposition from residents of Sangam-dong, and Mayor Yoo is also participating in the hunger strike.

When met at the site that morning, Mayor Yoo already appeared visibly pale.

Mayor Yoo explained the reason for his hunger strike, saying, “I agree with the government’s policy to build housing in Sangam-dong. However, it is not right to announce it unilaterally without consulting the heads of local governments. Unilateral announcements inevitably cause side effects.”

He expressed regret that the government announced the plan unilaterally without listening to the opinions of local residents, even though the construction of about 6,200 households in this area would increase the population and cause various issues such as traffic, education, and environmental problems, requiring countermeasures.

Mayor Yoo said, “In particular, Mapo District is promoting the Mapo Housing project for youth, national veterans, and descendants of independence activists in this area, but this project is now at risk of being halted,” and lamented, “The government’s policy announcement has dealt a major blow to Mapo’s housing policy.”

He also stated, “If the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Seoul City, and Mapo District hold sufficient discussions from now on to establish a housing policy, I am ready as the district mayor to actively cooperate and persuade the residents.”

However, he said that since the announcement of the August 4 real estate measures, he has not received any contact from any government officials.

Mayor Yoo asserted, “The Sangam-dong area is currently under study to be developed as a new strategic hub for the 4th industrial revolution and a North-South hub,” and added, “It is natural for supporting facilities befitting the DMC (Digital Media City) to be introduced.”

He emphasized that if the government pushes forward with building rental apartment-centered housing without considering the characteristics of the area, residents will not accept it.

Mayor Yoo explained again the background of his hunger strike, saying, “With Sangam-dong residents abandoning their livelihoods and taking to the streets, as the mayor responsible for protecting and safeguarding the residents, I cannot fail in my duty.”

On the 10th, 200 to 300 Sangam-dong residents gathered at the district office to protest. On the 13th, Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the National Assembly representing the area, met with Mayor Yoo, who is on a hunger strike, and the residents of Sangam-dong.

At that meeting, the residents and Assemblyman Jeong requested Mayor Yoo to stop the hunger strike. However, Mayor Yoo stated, “I will not stop the hunger strike until I am in harmony with the residents.”

Mayor Yoo proposed, “To establish a comprehensive plan for the Sangam-dong area, the government, Seoul City, Mapo District, and local residents should form a consultative body and practice cooperative governance.”

He emphasized, “Whether conservative or progressive governments, no government has satisfactorily handled real estate policies. But now, rather than unilateral policy announcements, cooperative governance is necessary.”

That morning, eight residents from Yeonnam-dong visited Mayor Yoo to have a conversation and showed their support before leaving.

Also, a Sangam-dong resident conducting a one-person protest in front of the district office expressed gratitude for Mayor Yoo’s sincerity after seeing him sleep in the temporary tent and continue his hunger strike for six days.

Since the government’s August 4 measures announcement, Democratic Party-affiliated local government heads including Yoodonggyun, Mayor of Mapo District; Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon District; and Kim Jong-cheon, Mayor of Gwacheon City, have opposed the unilateral content of the announcement.

Accordingly, there is growing support for the view that if the government had unofficially called these local heads for prior discussions before announcing the policy, such opposition would not have occurred.

An official said, “How can a democratic government push policies so unilaterally? From now on, I hope they listen to the voices of local heads who know the field issues better than anyone else.”

For Mayor Yoo to stop his hunger strike, it seems necessary for government officials to visit, offer consolation, and engage in dialogue.

If not, the government’s response will be closely watched as public opinion among not only Mapo residents but also the general public is expected to worsen further.

Mayor Yoo showed determination to reporters that day, saying, “I intend to endure as long as I can.”

Having grown up in Mapo since childhood and essentially a native of Mapo, Mayor Yoo is a regional politician with deep roots in the Democratic Party, having served as a Mapo District council member and Seoul City council member before being elected as the 7th term mayor of Mapo District.

Since his election, he has received positive evaluations from local residents for projects such as the ‘Mapo Housing project for youth and descendants of independence activists,’ ‘planting 5 million trees,’ and ‘donating the profits earned from driving a taxi once a month to the Mapo Scholarship Foundation.’