[Youth Politics Report] City Councilor Kim Han-seul, Former 'Ingang Instructor'... "A Society Where People Can Freely Engage in Politics Alongside Their Livelihood"

6.1 Local Election Winner Interview - Kim Hanseul, Guri City Council Member

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] A city council member who used to be an 'EBS entrance exam instructor.' Kim Han-seul, a 35-year-old council member of Guri City, decided to enter politics after experiencing firsthand the limitations of educational inequality within the local community while working as an educator. He expressed hope that people from various professions could also engage in politics to solve social problems. The following is a Q&A.

- What motivated you to run for office?

▲ I majored in social enterprises in graduate school and developed an interest in the education sector. I also created and operated an educational volunteer group for seven years, conducting mentoring activities that connected low-income students with high school and university students. Through this process, I became acutely aware of the real issues from the perspective of actual education consumers, which led me to decide to run for office.

- Specifically, what problems did you notice?

▲ For example, a few years ago, the Gyeonggi Province education superintendent’s policy stopped providing evening meals at high schools. Without dinner, students finished classes, bought food nearby, and then either went straight to academies or wandered outside. Children with nowhere to go lost an environment conducive to studying. I felt directly how changes in policy impact children’s lives. Additionally, I believe that regardless of family circumstances or situations, all students at school should receive educational benefits.

- How did you get involved in politics?

▲ While looking for ways to address the shortcomings I felt in the local community through policy, I was introduced to the People Power Party through an agency called 'New Ways' and joined the party. Since I had no prior connections or experience with existing political parties, I consider myself very lucky to have been elected.

- Why politics rather than another approach?

▲ Many people in the private sector work to reduce educational inequality. There are volunteer activities and people who operate with corporate sponsorships. However, I wanted to tackle the root causes more fundamentally. Government-run activities end once the program finishes, and corporate sponsorships are often simple social contribution donations, so they lack sustainability. Ultimately, I believe the sustainable area lies in administrative foundations and policies.

- What difficulties did you face during preparation?

▲ When I actually experienced the election, even the minimum costs were considerable. The important thing is that you have to spend money upfront and receive reimbursement later. Whether you get reimbursed depends on the vote share, so people without a certain amount of funds may find it difficult to run for office.

Regarding basic information, there seems to be no systematic education like a candidacy guideline anywhere. While parties answer questions if you ask, there is no formal educational course like a school class.

- Why do you think there are not many politicians in their 20s and 30s?

▲ Actually, the number of young people entering politics is not very high. Usually, people in their 20s are busy attending school, serving in the military, or preparing for employment, and those in their 30s are busy working. The People Power Party made many efforts to recruit young people, but there were not many applicants. I think it is still a role mostly taken by those who have considerable experience, activity, and some leeway.

Looking at foreign examples, politics is sometimes seen as a side job alongside one’s main occupation. Rather than simple political ambition, it is about serving society through politics. I hope such a freer political structure can be established.

- Do you have any goals?

▲ I will perform roles in resolving local residents’ complaints and monitoring city administration. Personally, since I am interested in education, I want to spend a rewarding four years implementing policies and improving systems to address information imbalance and educational inequality among youth.