Dongdaemun-gu Mayor Lee Pil-hyung is paying respects at the May 18 Democratic Cemetery on the 31st of last month.
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The consecutive ‘humble steps’ taken by Lee Pil-hyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun District, are garnering high praise from local residents, attracting attention.
Since assuming office as Mayor of Dongdaemun District on July 1, Lee has continued his visits to local goshiwons during last year’s Chuseok and year-end holidays to listen to the difficulties faced by vulnerable neighbors.
Amid this, on December 31 last year, he drew attention by visiting the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery with his executives to pay respects.
Also, on January 2, the first working day of this year, he visited local facilities for the disabled and garment manufacturing companies to engage in conversations.
Lee’s actions are especially regarded as exemplary of a basic local government head’s love for residents, demonstrating an attitude ingrained from a lifelong career as a national public official.
Visit to the May 18th Democratic Cemetery on the Last Day of 2022 Sparks Interest
Among Lee’s recent activities, the visit to the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery on December 31, the last day of 2022, stands out.
Along with several executives, Mayor Lee offered incense and flowers, honoring the spirits of the May 18 victims who sacrificed themselves for democracy in this land, and took time to engrave in his heart the commitment to uphold the democratic values of the Republic of Korea built upon their blood and sweat.
He paid respects at the graves of individuals such as Song Geon-ho and others who dedicated themselves to the May 18 Democratic Movement. He also participated in a group memorial and silent prayer for unidentified victims who sacrificed for individuals and families.
After touring the cemetery, Mayor Lee said, “Just as sacrifices were necessary to establish democracy, great effort and sacrifice will also accompany protecting and advancing that democracy.” He left the phrase ‘Wiguk Heonsin’ (Devotion to the Nation), a quote from patriot Ahn Jung-geun, in the guestbook and pledged to dedicate himself to making the Republic of Korea a freer and more democratic country.
During a tea time with district officials on the morning of January 2, Mayor Lee described the visit to the May 18 Democratic Cemetery as “meaningful and deeply moving,” using the expression ‘serendipity’ and encouraging any officials who have not yet visited to definitely pay their respects.
Dongdaemun-gu Mayor Lee Pil-hyung is listening to the difficulties of residents during his visit to a local dormitory on September 9th last year.
Visited Goshiwon Residents at Year-End Following Last Year’s Chuseok to Hear Their Difficulties
Prior to this, from December 23 to 28, during the freezing cold, Mayor Lee continued visits to vulnerable residential facilities such as goshiwons.
On the first day, December 23, he visited Elite Goshiwon in Yongsin-dong (65% basic livelihood security recipients), Mirae Goshiwon in Dapsimni 1-dong (49%), and Hanbit Goshiwon in Jangan 1-dong (55%), meeting with residents there.
When Mayor Lee asked if there were any inconveniences, one resident said, “Thank you for coming to check and listen to our difficulties in this cold weather. Although there are inconveniences in daily life, the goshiwon provides warm meals and side dishes and heating to keep us from the cold, so any support for the goshiwon would be appreciated.”
This was not Mayor Lee’s only visit to goshiwons. Before last year’s Chuseok, he visited a goshiwon in the area, engaging in conversations with both residents and owners to hear their concerns.
Dongdaemun-gu Mayor Lee Pil-hyung is visiting Haneulkkumteo on the 2nd and assembling a puzzle together.
On January 2, First External Schedule Was Visits to Disabled Facility and Garment Sewing Company
Mayor Lee’s first official external schedule of 2023 on January 2 was visits to ‘Haneulkkumteo,’ a short-term residential facility for the disabled, and ‘Minkyung Fashion,’ a garment sewing company.
‘Haneulkkumteo,’ a welfare facility for the disabled located in Jangan-dong, conducts educational support projects and professional training programs for 10 disabled individuals. At 11:10 a.m., Mayor Lee visited ‘Haneulkkumteo,’ exchanged New Year greetings with the disabled users, and checked if there were any inconveniences in using the facility. At 4 p.m., he visited ‘Minkyung Fashion,’ a local garment sewing company.
In this way, Mayor Lee continues to show humble steps by visiting neighbors in need whenever time allows, inspiring those around him.
A Dongdaemun District official said, “Mayor Lee Pil-hyung is a respectable person who always expresses great interest and affection for the vulnerable.”
Mayor Lee is also a writer with neat writing skills, having published four books after completing the Baekdudaegan traverse and climbing the Himalayas.
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