What is the driving force behind former Gwanak District Mayor Yoo Jong-pil's reflections after riding the light rail 'Sillim Line' for the first time?

As Election Strategy Committee Chairman for Lee Haengja, People Power Party Candidate for Gwanak District Mayor, Former Gwanak Mayor Yoo Jongpil Campaigns Around Neighborhoods; Shares Impressions Riding the New Sillim Line Light Rail on Opening Day, Posting on Facebook... Yoo’s Skilled Writing Highlights Four Concepts Reflecting His Special Affection for the Sillim Line Construction During His Mayoral Tenure

A family looking at the approaching tracks through the transparent glass in the front car of the Sillim Line light rail

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Former Gwanak District Mayor Yoo Jong-pil is these days extremely busy. He is riding in the campaign vehicle for Lee Haeng-ja, the People Power Party candidate for Gwanak District Mayor, going through every alley in Gwanak-gu to appeal for support.

Once he grabs the microphone, he campaigns for up to three hours, to the point that local residents say, "As expected, Mayor Yoo Jong-pil is knowledgeable and smart," expressing their admiration.

On the 29th, he attracted attention by posting his impressions on his Facebook after riding the newly opened Sillim Line light rail on the 28th.

Yoo, who has a deep affection for the light rail 'Sillim Line' which began construction during his tenure as Gwanak District Mayor, started his post by quoting a line from T.S. Eliot's long poem "The Waste Land," saying, "mixing memory and desire," and remarked that the first train to enter his neighborhood, Sillim-dong, stirred his memories and stimulated hope.

On the first day of operation, the 28th, he said he rode the train four times, going back and forth between Gwanaksan Station (Seoul National University), the terminus and starting point, and Yeouido Saetgang Station, even getting off midway to observe.

He then approached the characteristics of the Sillim Line with four keywords: 'Warmth,' 'Excitement,' 'Transparency,' and 'Connectivity,' expressing them in a manner befitting a Seoul National University philosophy graduate, drawing attention.

First, 'Warmth' referred to the light rail being narrow enough that couples sitting face-to-face could stretch their legs and touch toes, creating a joyful and cozy atmosphere like a theme park train.

Also, 'Excitement' was described as the thrill of riding the neighborhood train for the first time, reminiscent of the moment 50 years ago when electricity first came to his rural middle school in the third grade, a feeling he believes will last forever.

Along with this, 'Transparency' was noted as the Sillim Line’s three-car train having transparent fronts and backs, allowing both adults and children to experience the fascinating view of looking at the approaching tracks from the front (photo) and the receding tracks from the rear.

Then, under 'Connectivity,' he stated that transportation is all about network connectivity, and among the complex subway lines and over 600 stations in the metropolitan area, including Lines 1 to 9, Bundang Line, and the Gimpo-Bucheon Line (Gim-bu Line), few lines are as conveniently connected as the Sillim Line.

He highlighted the advantage of direct connections to subway Lines 1, 2, 7, and 9 while traveling to Yeouido.

Finally, former Mayor Yoo concluded, “Those who close will perish, those who open will prosper. Those who are cut off will decline, those who connect will rise. May this hope of mine become reality...”

As a writer who has published famous books such as "World Library Travels," former Mayor Yoo is well known for his impeccable writing skills.