A Touching Letter from Mayor Lee Yong-seop of Gwangju to His Staff Draws Attention

"Sorry for being clumsy with affection and not even patting your shoulder once"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] As Lee Yong-seop, mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, resigned from his position and registered as a preliminary candidate to run for re-election, a letter he sent to city hall staff has drawn attention.

In the letter posted on the internal network, Mayor Lee began by saying to the employees, "You have really worked hard dealing with a mayor who only knows work."

He recalled, "It feels like just yesterday when I gave a presentation on the direction of the 7th term of the civilian administration and listened to your hopes for the mayor, but now the time to conclude the term is approaching. It was because of you, our staff, that we were able to accomplish so much during the 7th term."

He continued, "As COVID-19 struck the world for over three years, it was our employees who took care of the citizens," adding, "I will never forget your contributions and dedication shown through numerous tasks and various achievements, big and small."

He also stated, "Now, to take a bigger step forward for a 'bigger and stronger Gwangju era,' I am temporarily stepping down from the mayor's position and preparing for re-election as a preliminary candidate for the 8th term of the civilian administration," and requested, "I ask you to remain strictly neutral and dedicate yourselves to the administration with fairness and without wavering."

He concluded, "Although I always carry feelings of gratitude and apology, I was clumsy in expressing affection and never patted the shoulders of the staff," adding, "Thank you, and I love you."