[Interview] Dongdaemun-gu Mayor Ilhyung Lee: "Creating a New City Reviving Cheongnyangni's Glory as a Transportation and Commercial Hub"

Miju Apartment Complex Development to Create a Place for Young People... Dongdaemun-gu Office Vows to Transform into a 'Working Organization'

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] “After being elected as district mayor, I went around to thank the residents, and many told me to ‘do well.’ I understand this as the residents’ desire for change in Dongdaemun, and I will do my utmost to meet their expectations.”

Lee Pil-hyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun District, said in an interview with this paper that he will devote himself to bringing about change in Dongdaemun by honoring the will of the residents. He added, “Having observed the process of promoting Sejong City firsthand as an administrative officer at the Blue House and a working member of the Presidential Transition Committee, I realized that politics is a channel to change residents’ lives. I believe local autonomy is exactly that field, which is why I decided to run for mayor of Dongdaemun District, where I lived from elementary through high school.”

Before deciding to run for mayor of Dongdaemun District, Mayor Lee showed great passion by touring the entire Dongdaemun area five times and exploring it four more times during the election process, totaling nine visits.

Mayor Lee stated that he proposed 212 policy suggestions to the transition committee and plans to reform the organization through organizational diagnosis, starting by creating a system where department heads and section chiefs have authority and responsibility.

He especially expressed his determination to build a “working Dongdaemun District” organization. Mayor Lee said, “I will set an example as a diligent public official.”

Regarding his expectations for employees, Mayor Lee said, “The 12-year era of Democratic Party mayors is over. Civil servants themselves must choose change. They must not be complacent with the present. I will give authority and responsibility to department heads and section chiefs,” adding, “Employees who perform well will also receive special promotions.”

This appears to be a commitment to conduct balanced personnel appointments while building an organization that competes through work. Mayor Lee pledged, “I will not exclude anyone based on their region of origin. I will run district administration that treats civil servants who actively work to create a pleasant, safe, and transparent Dongdaemun with respect.”

He also emphasized that showy, exhibition-style administration should be avoided during the working process.

The mayor himself showed enthusiasm to visit Seoul City Hall, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the National Assembly like a business entrepreneur to seek support for Dongdaemun’s development.

This is interpreted as his intention to create a dynamic organizational atmosphere where public officials move together by demonstrating the attitude of a mayor who actively works for regional development.

He also clearly expressed his views on Dongdaemun’s development plan. Mayor Lee said, “I will restore the former glory of Cheongnyangni, which was once the center of transportation, commerce, and culture,” adding, “I will develop Cheongnyangni Miju Apartments into a commercial area and transform Cheongnyangni into a new city, making it a prosperous city that attracts young people.” He pledged to make every effort to lead Dongdaemun to become the center of Seoul by securing cooperation from Seoul City and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Regarding regional development, he decided on “building a pleasant, safe, and transparent Dongdaemun” as the three major principles of district administration. Among the three main pledges, the first is to make Cheongnyangni the heart of northeastern Seoul through urban development from Jegi-dong to Cheongnyangni and the complex development of Cheongnyangni.

The second is to revitalize the Hongneung Bio-Medical Special Zone by promoting the relocation of public institutions in Hongneung.

The third is to make Dongdaemun the Milan of fashion by fostering the fashion sewing industry.

Mayor Lee Pil-hyung concluded by saying, “I will ask residents about all district administration issues and respond to them. The residents’ will will be the answer to the issues,” and “I will solve issues together with residents and become a mayor who listens carefully to their voices.”