Seogangseok, 8th Term Elected Songpa District Mayor Inaugurated... "Realizing a District Administration of Creativity and Innovation"

Seogangseok, Songpa District Mayor, Holds Inauguration Ceremony for the 8th Term on the Afternoon of the 1st, Pledges "To Revitalize Songpa with Creativity and Innovation Alongside District Officials," Announces "Implementation of a System Where Any Civil Complaint Submitted to the Civil Affairs Department Will Be Handled by Its Staff Coordinating with Relevant Departments, Allowing Complainants to Receive Permits and Approvals Directly from the Civil Affairs Department Within the Processing Period"... On His First Day, Mayor Seogangseok Holds Communication Session with Residents of Pungnap-dong

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The inauguration ceremony of Seo Gang-seok, the 8th elected mayor of Songpa-gu, was held on July 1 at 3 p.m. in the main auditorium on the 3rd floor of the Samjeon-dong Songpa-gu Community Center.

The ceremony was attended by about 600 people, including members of the National Assembly and residents.

In particular, veterans of the Korean War, families of Vietnam War casualties, spouses of fallen soldiers, people with disabilities, high school girls, young entrepreneurs, sanitation workers, and other socially vulnerable groups were invited as special guests on stage.

This was to honor those whom Mayor Seo Gang-seok of Songpa-gu has identified as priority areas for administration: veterans' families who have dedicated and sacrificed for the Korean community, people with disabilities and other socially vulnerable groups, as well as the youth who will dynamically lead the future of Korea, and those who quietly work with a strong sense of mission for the social community.

Mayor Seo Gang-seok delivered a speech of about 10 minutes, which he wrote himself.

After introducing the guests, a video showing the hopes of various sectors for the new mayor was presented, followed by Seo Gang-seok, who was seated in the front row, solemnly taking the oath of office on stage.

During his inaugural speech, he introduced the catchphrase of the 8th elected term as "Songpa Running Again, Administration of Creativity and Innovation," emphasizing that 'Songpa Running Again' means shaking off all lethargy and incompetence and growing dynamically.

Mayor Seo said, "'Songpa Running Again' means a Songpa that values fairness, challenges itself, and grows dynamically like the younger generation. However, the mayor alone cannot make Songpa run again. It can only be achieved when the public officials of the district office revive their public service mindset and participate with positive thinking."

He stated that he would make Songpa run again through an administration of creativity and innovation together with the district office public officials.

The administration of creativity and innovation means reorganizing the district office into a working organization, invigorating the public service spirit, and maximizing residents' satisfaction. Creativity and innovation require a change in the perspective of public officials who see residents not as complainants but as sovereign owners. Through continuous education and the mayor's leading by example, the public officials of the district office will participate in 'Songpa Running Again' with 'Creativity and Innovation,' he promised.

Mayor Seo said, "Creativity and innovation require a change in the perspective of public officials who see residents not as complainants but as sovereign owners. Through continuous education and the mayor's leading by example, the public officials of the district office will participate in 'Songpa Running Again' with 'Creativity and Innovation.' I ordered the establishment of a Civil Affairs Administration Division during the transition team's work report process. Until now, all permit complainants had to visit the responsible departments directly. However, from the 8th elected term, complainants will no longer meet the responsible officials directly. Any complaint submitted to the Civil Affairs Administration Division will be handled by its staff, who will contact the relevant departments on behalf of the complainants. Within the complaint processing period, complainants can receive the result, such as permits, from the Civil Affairs Administration Division," he introduced.

Inaugural Speech of Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu

Dear beloved and respected residents of Songpa-gu, thank you.

Hello, I am Seo Gang-seok, the 8th elected mayor of Songpa-gu.

I was elected mayor of Songpa-gu on June 1 through the proud exercise of sovereignty by 670,000 residents of Songpa-gu, the rightful owners of this land.

After going through the People Power Party's primary, I became a candidate and competed against the incumbent mayor. I sincerely thank all the sovereign residents of Songpa-gu who gave me overwhelming support and encouragement until I was selected as the party's candidate and then as mayor.

Today, on the first day of my inauguration as mayor of Songpa-gu, I bow my head once again to express my gratitude and pledge to perform my duties as mayor. Thank you.

By the great choice of the sovereign residents, I have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility of leading Songpa for the next four years despite my shortcomings.

I deeply feel the heavy responsibility placed on my shoulders.

I will devote all my passion and sincerity to fulfilling the duties of mayor of Songpa-gu.

Throughout the election campaign, I emphasized the values of fairness and common sense and proudly declared that I cherish the history of freedom, human rights, and prosperity that Korea has written.

I promised to serve the residents humbly and provide kind and high-quality administration.

I will never forget the passionate support and encouragement from the residents during the election period.

I understand well the spirit of the times demanded by the era and the wishes of our residents of Songpa-gu. I will think deeply and act rightly to faithfully carry out the residents' orders without any setbacks.

Respected residents of Songpa-gu,

I am a field administrator who has worked in urban administration in Seoul for 33 years after passing the civil service exam. I am also an administrative scholar who has studied public administration.

The philosophy that runs through public administration is to value taxpayers' money and maximize public interest for the present and future generations at optimal costs.

Administrators must never arbitrarily allocate or execute budgets.

From now on, in Songpa-gu Office, there will be no waste of budget by arbitrarily considering taxpayers' money or creating unnecessary projects and positions whose beneficiaries are unclear. Such budgets will be immediately suspended upon the launch of the 8th elected term.

I believe that those whom administration should prioritize and take responsibility for are the socially vulnerable, such as the marginalized, the poor, the disabled, and those who find it difficult to live alone. The 8th elected Songpa-gu Office will provide delicate and thorough budgetary and administrative support for such people first.

I also believe that those whom administration must equally take responsibility for are those who have dedicated, sacrificed, or served for our national and social community.

We will honor the dignity of many veterans, including Korean War veterans, Vietnam War veterans, and families of fallen soldiers, and provide substantial and innovative budgetary and administrative support.

I pay tribute to the previous generation who, despite the tragedy of the Korean War, sincerely devoted their lives to building this proud Republic of Korea, a world-class liberal democracy.

Respected residents of Songpa-gu,

My campaign slogan was "Songpa Running Again."

This means that Songpa has not been progressive and has been delayed until now.

During the election, I heard many voices from residents. Complaints about broken fairness and common sense, excessive tax burdens, restrictions on reconstruction and real estate regulations, soaring prices, and disappearing good jobs.

Complaints about the district office's indifference and lethargy, the high threshold of the district office, and administrative services that are neither kind, prompt, nor accurate.

"Songpa Running Again" means a Songpa that values fairness, challenges itself, and grows dynamically like the younger generation, shaking off all lethargy and incompetence. However, the mayor alone cannot make Songpa run again. Our district office public officials' public service mindset must revive and participate with positive thinking.

Therefore, the catchphrase of the 8th elected Songpa-gu Office is "Songpa Running Again, Administration of Creativity and Innovation." Together with the district office public officials, I will make Songpa run again through an administration of creativity and innovation.

The administration of creativity and innovation means reorganizing the district office into a working organization, invigorating the public service spirit, and maximizing residents' satisfaction.

Creativity and innovation require a change in the perspective of public officials who see residents not as complainants but as sovereign owners. Through continuous education and the mayor's leading by example, the public officials of the district office will participate in 'Songpa Running Again' with 'Creativity and Innovation.'

During the transition team's work report process, I ordered the establishment of a Civil Affairs Administration Division. Until now, all permit complainants had to visit the responsible departments directly. However, from the 8th elected term, complainants will no longer meet the responsible officials directly. Any complaint submitted to the Civil Affairs Administration Division will be handled by its staff, who will contact the relevant departments on behalf of the complainants. Within the complaint processing period, complainants can receive the result, such as permits, from the Civil Affairs Administration Division.

Though a small institutional improvement, it is an example of creativity and innovation and will be a great achievement in serving the sovereign complainants and enhancing convenience.

Respected residents of Songpa-gu!

During the election, I presented 90 pledges, including 10 major pledges.

All pledges will be thoroughly implemented with minor adjustments if necessary.

If major adjustments are needed, I will report to the residents in advance and seek their understanding.

Reconstruction, redevelopment, and remodeling projects to make Songpa the best premium residential city will be promoted as quickly as possible. Drawing on my experience working as one team with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and my long public service know-how in Seoul, I will quickly secure Seoul City's support. The responsible department, the Urban Management Bureau, will be renamed the Urban Modernization Bureau and reorganized to focus solely on reconstruction and related projects.

I will make Songpa-daero, the face of Songpa, the best premium street.

I will expand commercial areas on Songpa-daero and attract leading companies. First, I will introduce design concepts to Songpa-daero to create a stylish urban street. Linking Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake at the entrance of Songpa-daero, I will develop it into a world-class premium street. Additionally, along with Songpa-daero, the north-south axis of Songpa, Olympic-ro, the east-west axis, will also be reborn as a premium street.

Education support, cultural arts promotion, and the enhancement of community sports are very important targets of autonomous district administration. I will establish a dedicated department, the Education and Culture Bureau, to maximize students' learning and commuting rights and expand support for schools.

The Culture and Sports Department will be divided into Culture and Sports, creating the Culture and Arts Division and the Community Sports Division, making Songpa a city where culture and arts breathe and a city where people live healthily and long through community sports.

A city where it is good to do business, Songpa; a city where small business owners find it easy to operate.

A city where youth nurture their dreams, Songpa; a city friendly to women, Songpa.

A city where seniors live comfortably and happily, Songpa; a warm Songpa where no socially vulnerable person is left out. I will do my utmost to fulfill all my promises.

Also, I will create the cleanest city of the highest standard, the most basic duty of urban administration. Songpa will be a city beautifully decorated with seasonal flowers along the roads, a city with splendid landscaping, a city with excellent design. Above all, I will ensure Songpa is safe from disasters, accidents, and crimes.

Respected residents of Songpa-gu!

And to all relatives and distinguished guests who came to my inauguration today,

I started my public service career as a young district office director and held several difficult director and bureau chief positions in the city. When the mayor suddenly changed, my public service wings were clipped, and I spent many years in hardship.

In 2002, when Korea made the World Cup semi-final, our slogan was "Dreams Come True." This world belongs to those who dream. I believe that results come from trying without settling for the status quo. I believe that opportunity comes only to those who are prepared. I did not let those years pass in vain.

However, today’s inauguration as mayor of Songpa-gu is only the beginning.

The mayor's dream is not the ultimate goal of my life but a means.

Now, with a disciplined public service spirit and my expertise in urban administration, I want to serve the residents of Songpa-gu, achieve great results, and live a rewarding life that makes them happy.

Today, standing as the elected mayor, is an infinitely honorable day for me. I do not know how to express my gratitude to the relatives and distinguished guests who came to celebrate my inauguration.

Thank you, and thank you again.

And to my election campaign comrades who steadfastly stood by me through the uncertain and intense primary and general elections, to Representative Bae Hyun-jin, Representative Kim Woong, Chairman Kim Geun-sik, former Songpa-gu Mayor Park Chun-hee, and all others who passionately supported the campaign, I express my deep gratitude once again.

Respected residents of Songpa-gu! And to the many relatives and distinguished guests who filled the inauguration hall today! I, Seo Gang-seok, sincerely thank you.

Please continue to watch over me with unwavering affection and interest. Please provide much guidance and advice so that I may become a righteous mayor.

Thank you. Thank you all.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu.

July 1, 2022, Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu

Seogangseok, Mayor of Songpa District (left), had a conversation with residents of Pungnap-dong on the 1st.

On July 1, the first day of his term as the 8th elected mayor, Seo Gang-seok held the 'No. 1 Communication Time with Residents of Pungnap-dong.'

On that day, Mayor Seo expressed a strong will, saying, "Under the pretext of cultural heritage protection, residents' basic rights such as property rights and the pursuit of happiness are being deprived. We will lead court precedents through legal disputes on this matter." He also said, "The district office will provide all administrative and financial support," which drew applause from the attending residents who said, "It feels refreshing. It opens our hearts."

When residents said, "All previous mayors promised strongly during their candidacy to stand with residents, but once they became mayor, it was regrettable," Mayor Seo replied, "I would feel comfortable if I said 'I am also sorry.'" Residents who witnessed Mayor Seo's usual conviction, his resolute will to serve residents humbly, and his unwavering determination stood up and expressed their hope for new changes in Songpa with enthusiasm.

The first communication time with residents was held for nearly 50 minutes at 5:30 p.m. in the mayor's reception room. Mayor Seo said, "Residents cannot individually file disputes. The district office will open everything and conduct legal reviews. The Cultural Heritage Administration has been regulating residents' basic rights under the name of cultural heritage protection, which is not in line with the changing times. The times have changed. The suffering residents of this area have endured for decades is unimaginable. There have been long-standing complaints that citizens' basic property rights and pursuit of happiness are being violated. This is unacceptable and must change. For whom is the Cultural Heritage Administration? I heard residents have complained to the Cultural Heritage Administration and even protested with Molotov cocktails. This is not the way. The last resort I think is to seek legal judgment," urging changes in the Cultural Heritage Administration's policies.

Mayor Seo said, "Pottery fragments are found almost everywhere along the Han River in Seoul," and "Even when there is no preservation value, construction is halted at the request of the Cultural Heritage Administration. The excavation costs are borne by the developer, not the state. This cost is passed on to the residents. Residents suffer material and mental damages due to prolonged construction suspension and huge costs."

He continued, "While historical preservation of cultural heritage with significant value is naturally necessary, I visited the site of Jinju Apartment in the area, and it was just a stove," and said, "Looking at the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, cultural heritage is classified into tangible cultural heritage, intangible cultural heritage, and monuments, which include temple sites, fortress walls, palaces, and shell mounds. 'House sites' are not included. Since digging the ground always reveals house sites, if 'house sites' were included in the law, urban development would be impossible, so 'house sites' were excluded from cultural heritage," and urged change, saying, "According to the legislative intent of the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, 'house sites' are not cultural heritage. Just because traces of a 2,000-year-old house site were found, stopping the lives of 2,700 households today is an overreach by the Cultural Heritage Administration."

It is known that Songpa-gu Office plans to proceed with a lawsuit after legal review. Meanwhile, on June 28, the district filed a lawsuit against the Cultural Heritage Administration to cancel the preservation order on the construction site of the Pungnap 2-dong Community Center complex, where fragments of Three Kingdoms period pottery and house sites were found.