What Did Yudeokyeol, Dongdaemun-gu Mayor, Say as a One-Day DJ to Encourage Civil Complaint Officers?

District Mayor Yudeokyeol Reads Staff Stories, Offers Encouragement and Comfort... Physical Distance Far, Emotional Distance Close

Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol of Dongdaemun-gu Office (right) steps up as a 'One-day DJ' to encourage civil service workers

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] “I am a new employee who started working after being assigned in July. I originally have a bright personality and enjoy meeting people, so I thought I would be well-suited for civil complaint work. However, it was more difficult than I expected because many complainants treated employees rudely. I have somewhat adapted now, but I still find it emotionally challenging when I encounter such complainants. At times like these, if the district mayor could offer words of encouragement or just say to keep going, I would really be moved to tears. I hope the district mayor would praise all the employees by saying they are doing well and to hang in there a little longer.”

At 6:10 p.m. on November 30, the voice of Yoo Deok-yeol, mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, echoed through the first-floor General Civil Complaints Office at Dongdaemun District Office as he became a one-day DJ. He personally read a story sent by an employee in charge of civil complaint work at the district office.

Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol) prepared a special event to understand and comfort the hearts of civil servants who have become exhausted due to the increased workload and emotional labor caused by COVID-19 on top of their existing civil complaint duties.

Civil servants wrote and submitted stories about things they wanted to be praised for by the mayor, things they wanted comfort for, and know-how on handling complaints they wanted to pass on. Mayor Yoo became a one-day DJ, read the stories on-site, and created a communication space to offer praise and comfort to the employees.

Mayor Yoo, reading the employee’s story aloud, said, “I am aware of the many difficulties faced by employees handling civil complaints, especially with the added COVID-19 duties. Despite the tough circumstances, I am confident that the kindness and consideration you have shown bring immense happiness and joy to the complainants. I express my encouragement and gratitude for your hard work.” He added, “If civil servants continue to strictly observe ‘social distancing’ and ‘quarantine rules’ in daily life and sincerely strive to provide kind civil complaint services in their respective roles, I believe good days will surely come, just as warm spring follows the cold winter.”

Mayor Yoo and the employees spent a long time sharing empathy and communication based on various stories that day.

The district expects this event to boost employee morale and serve as an opportunity to improve civil administrative services.

The event was conducted while strictly adhering to social distancing guidelines and mask-wearing.