[Interview] Owen Seok, Dobong-gu Mayor: "I Will Use Youth as a Weapon to Fully Engage in the Field and Communicate"

First Resident Dialogue of the 8th Elected Term Starts July 12 in Banghak 1-dong, Runs Through July 23 to Banghak 3-dong, Covering All 14 Neighborhoods in Dobong-gu... Communication on Various Issues Including Reconstruction and Redevelopment, GTX-C Dobong Section Electrification, Heavy Rain Countermeasures, and Jungnangcheon Maintenance

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] “I believe that the field is both the starting point of issues directly related to residents' lives and the place where solutions can be found. Going forward, I will be a district mayor who listens attentively to even the smallest voices of residents and works together with them.”

Dobong District Mayor Oh Eon-seok stated in an interview that he will leverage his strengths as a young district mayor by always being active on the ground and communicating with residents.

Mayor Oh’s aspirations are already being put into practice throughout Dobong-gu. Since the 12th of last month, he has been visiting all 14 neighborhoods (dong) in person to listen to residents’ voices through the ‘Dialogue with Residents’ initiative. This event, held about two weeks after the launch of the 8th elected term, reflects his strong determination to take the first step of the 8th term together with the residents.

Mayor Oh said, “I personally expressed my gratitude to the residents who gave me the opportunity to serve as district mayor while visiting each neighborhood, and listened to their urgent livelihood issues. I felt how strong the residents’ desire for change is, and I am determined to work very hard for the promised transformation of Dobong-gu.”

The first ‘Dialogue with Residents’ of the 8th elected term in 2022 was held across all 14 neighborhoods of Dobong-gu, starting with Banghak 1-dong on July 12 and concluding with Banghak 3-dong on July 23. Any resident could participate freely and suggest or propose questions or requests to the new district mayor.

In particular, this dialogue was held during evening hours and weekends to broaden resident participation, especially for office workers, students, and young people who usually find it difficult to voice their opinions in local government affairs.

Mayor Oh emphasized, “We arranged the dialogues in the evenings and on weekends so that residents could participate even after work. There may be some harsh criticism and discussions about local issues that cannot be resolved immediately. I believe more dialogues with residents are necessary to hear these ‘real’ stories.”

At the dialogue sessions, various issues such as reconstruction and redevelopment, GTX-C Dobong section electrification, heavy rain countermeasures, and Jungnangcheon stream maintenance were raised. Mayor Oh nodded repeatedly in response to residents’ opinions, provided answers, and thoroughly explained the review items together with the relevant department officials.

Mayor Oh also made sure to introduce the new 8th term slogan, “Together! Change, Growth, Future Dobong,” to the residents.

“Together! Change, Growth, Future Dobong” encapsulates Mayor Oh Eon-seok’s philosophy and vision for the district government, reflecting the residents’ hopes for Dobong-gu’s development and change, a harmonious administration, and principled governance leading to a leap forward.

“Together” means uniting the residents’ strength and harmony for a Dobong where everyone prospers; “Change” signifies achieving genuine change in Dobong that residents can feel; “Growth” refers to growth as a new economic hub in the northeastern region through regional development and completion of the gateway city transportation system; and “Future” embodies the aspiration for a future where young people realize their dreams, small business owners and self-employed individuals regain vitality, and the local economy thrives.

Mayor Oh explained, “Above all, I believe residents had a strong desire for new leadership. Many expressed their wish to see a changed and new Dobong. I wanted to powerfully convey the residents’ hopes and the policy vision of the 8th term through the short slogan ‘Together! Change, Growth, Future Dobong.’”

The daily schedule of young Mayor Oh Eon-seok is packed without leisure, and he often has meals on-site. This is thanks to his conviction that the answer always lies in the field.

In his inauguration greeting to staff, he humbly introduced himself, saying, “I believe that the administrative experts, the public officials, will manage Dobong’s affairs well. I think the district mayor is like a ‘contract salesperson’ who diligently runs around the field externally to secure the necessary budget and policies for our district. I will soak Dobong in sweat.”

Staff members who work closely with him find the young and communicative mayor somewhat unfamiliar but welcome. When meeting employees in the district office elevator, he greets and jokes first, bringing continuous smiles to the staff. In the July 15 promotion of grade 5 officials, the consideration of the ratio of female personnel received positive feedback internally as well as from residents, with comments such as “It’s likable. A fresh change.”

Mayor Oh said, “I will lead changes that residents can feel. I want to be remembered as a district mayor who upheld proper administration, fairness, justice, and principles, and brought a dynamic wave of change to the neglected Dobong-gu through cooperation with the government and Seoul city.”