The Era of 'Female Deputy Mayors' Blossoms in Seoul's Autonomous Districts

Seoul City appoints 11 deputy district heads including 3 female deputies: Ma Chaesuk of Jongno-gu, Kang Okhyeon of Yangcheon-gu, and Byeon Seoyoung of Seocho-gu, along with Park Daewoo of Gangseo-gu, Kim Jeongho of Jung-gu, Baek Ilheon of Gwangjin-gu, Jeong Hwanjung of Dobong-gu, Eom Uisik of Guro-gu, Lee Younggi of Gwanak-gu, Cheon Jeonguk of Dongjak-gu, and Kim Gyeongtak of Gangdong-gu, effective from the 8th.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The power of women in the public sector is expanding.

Three female deputy district heads have been appointed in Seoul's autonomous districts, marking the highest number of female deputy district heads ever appointed among the 25 autonomous districts.

On the afternoon of the 5th, Seoul City appointed 11 people, including those in Gangseo-gu, Gwangjin-gu, and Yangcheon-gu, effective from the 8th.

In particular, among them, three female deputy district heads were appointed: Ma Chaesook, the current deputy district head of Jung-gu, to the deputy district head of Jongno-gu, Kang Okhyun of Yangcheon-gu, and Byeon Seoyoung of Seocho-gu.

Ma Chaesook, deputy district head of Jongno-gu (51), graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in Korean history, passed the local civil service exam three times, held key positions in Seoul City such as the Urban Transportation Office's Pedestrian Planning Officer, served as deputy district head of Jung-gu, and has now moved back to Jongno-gu as deputy district head.

Ma, in particular, was highly regarded by Jung-gu public officials not only for her competence but also for her character.

Kang Okhyun, deputy district head of Yangcheon-gu (52), graduated from the University of Seoul, entered Seoul City through a special recruitment at grade 7, served as a media officer, was promoted early to grade 3 ahead of her seniors, served as head of the Civil Affairs Judicial Police Unit, and has now moved to this position upon the recommendation of Lee Gijae, the Yangcheon-gu mayor's transition committee chairman.

Byeon Seoyoung, deputy district head of Seocho-gu (58), graduated from the University of Seoul, entered Seoul City through a special recruitment at grade 7, served as finance director, was promoted to grade 3, served as administrative director at the University of Seoul, and was appointed deputy district head through a connection with Jeon Seongsu, the current Seocho-gu mayor, during his tenure at Seoul City.

Additionally, Park Daewoo, Economic and Job Planning Officer, was appointed as the grade 2 deputy district head of Gangseo-gu; Baek Ilheon, Safety General Officer, as the grade 3 deputy district head of Gwangjin-gu; Lee Younggi, Gwanghwamun Square Promotion Team Leader, as deputy district head of Gwanak-gu; and Kim Kyungtak, Pedestrian-Friendly Planning Officer, as deputy district head of Gangdong-gu.

Also, Kim Jeongho moved to deputy district head of Jung-gu from deputy district head of Yangcheon-gu; Jeong Hwanjung to deputy district head of Dobong-gu from deputy district head of Gangdong-gu; Eom Uisik to deputy district head of Guro-gu from deputy district head of Gwangjin-gu; and Cheon Jeonguk to deputy district head of Dongjak-gu from deputy district head of Seocho-gu.

Kim Sanghan, Director of Seoul City Administration Bureau, said regarding this personnel appointment, “It was carried out by actively reflecting the opinions of district heads to secure momentum for the 8th term of the elected administration, and we will continue smooth communication and consultation between the city and autonomous districts to provide better administrative services to citizens in the future.”