Gwangjin-gu Mayor Kim Kyung-ho and MZ Generation Newcomers Have an Honest and Sincere 'Empathy Talk'

On the 17th, at Gwangjin-gu Office Planning Situation Room, appointment certificates were awarded to newly appointed employees... A casual 'Neonaduri' time where Mayor Kim and newcomers engage in friendly conversation

Kim Kyung-ho, the mayor of Gwangjin District, is personally selecting the question sheets submitted by the rookie public officials.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyungho) held the ‘MZ Generation Communication (通) Talk Day’ on the 17th to celebrate newly appointed MZ generation employees and to communicate with them in a friendly manner.

Breaking away from the conventional method of simply handing over appointment letters, this year’s event was combined with a meeting to comfortably talk with employees, reflecting the color of the 8th term of the Gwangjin-gu administration, which emphasizes communication.

First, the appointment letter awarding ceremony was held as the first part of the event. The 16 rookie public officials attending the event showed a mix of slight nervousness and excitement on their faces.

Mayor Kim Kyungho handed over the appointment letters while making eye contact with each employee with affectionate eyes and offered words of encouragement. The new employees responded with bright smiles, expressing their expectations for their public service careers.

In the second part, the communication meeting featured sessions titled ‘Mayor, I Have a Question’ and ‘Listening to the MZ Generation,’ where the new employees and Mayor Kim had candid and intimate conversations.

After a brief moment of awkwardness, once one employee broke the ice, questions poured out from the curious rookies.

“Any tips for public service life?”, “How can I become a good team member?”

“What is the mayor’s favorite Gwangjin-gu restaurant?”

“I’m curious about the mayor’s morning routine,” “What’s your secret to resolving conflicts with civil petitioners?”

Amid the variety of questions, Mayor Kim shared his personal thoughts honestly and continued a warm and friendly dialogue with the junior public officials.

The new employees, called the MZ generation, also openly shared their worries and concerns about public service life, creating a time of mutual empathy and understanding. They candidly expressed what they hope from senior officials, their dream workplace life, and ambitiously revealed their future aspirations.

Finally, the event concluded on a joyful note with a group photo taken in front of the stone stairs of the administrative support building at the district office.

A rookie employee, who seemed to have felt the mayor was difficult to approach, expressed joy, saying, “The mayor usually feels intimidating, but it was amazing to talk about various things like a senior or a friend. I think I will be able to work happily from now on.”

Mayor Kim Kyungho said, “On this meaningful day that marks a turning point in life, I expressed my welcome and congratulations to the proud juniors,” adding, “I hope all employees of Gwangjin-gu become each other’s ‘good friends’ and enjoy a joyful and happy public service life.”