Why Was a New Ombudsman Appointed in Gwanak-gu?

New Appointment of Gwanak-gu Ombudsman Composed of Legal, Technical, and Administrative Experts...Strengthening Municipal Oversight from Residents' Perspective, Contributing to Protection of Residents' Rights and Interests

The newly appointed ombudsman visited the Dorimcheon complaint site.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) newly appointed three ombudsmen last month as representatives of the residents.

The Gwanak-gu Ombudsman is an organization that protects the rights and interests of residents by monitoring district administration from the residents' perspective, improving illegal or unfair administrative actions and unreasonable administrative systems, and handling grievance complaints that cause inconvenience to residents.

Since its introduction and implementation in 2012, the ombudsman has played a key role as a problem solver that promptly addresses issues arising between residents and administrative agencies from a neutral standpoint.

The newly appointed ombudsmen consist of three external experts in law, technology, and administration, not public officials, and will carry out duties such as ▲investigating and handling grievance complaints ▲investigating and auditing matters requested by the mayor ▲mediating and arbitrating long-term unresolved or repetitive complaints ▲observing and supporting major audit processes requested by the head of the audit department.

The district enacted the "Ordinance on the Composition and Operation of the Gwanak-gu Ombudsman in Seoul" in 2011, and from 2012 to November 2020, it has conducted various activities including ▲63 on-site investigations of grievance complaints ▲22 audit observations ▲48 evaluations monitoring integrity contracts.

Residents who wish to resolve grievance complaints through the Gwanak-gu Ombudsman can visit and apply to the Audit Officer with a petition signed by more than 50 residents aged 18 or older who have a direct interest.

For more details, please visit the Gwanak-gu Office website (Participation·Reservation → Policy Participation → Gwanak-gu Ombudsman).

Mayor Park Junhee said, “Through the newly appointed Gwanak-gu Ombudsman, we will listen to the voices of residents, actively reflect their demands, and resolve their grievances,” adding, “We will continue to revitalize the ombudsman activities to promote fair and transparent administration.”