Seoul City Launches New 'Participation Ombudsman' with 100 Members

Expanded Significantly to 35 People Through Ordinance Amendment

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Citizen Audit Ombudsman Committee announced that it has expanded the number of Participatory Ombudsmen, who support the activities of the Citizen Audit Ombudsman Committee, monitor city administration from the citizens' perspective, and protect citizens' rights, from 35 to 100 through an ordinance revision last year. It has also finalized the selection of 68 new ombudsmen and will hold a commissioning ceremony on the 15th at the main conference room on the 3rd floor of Seoul City Hall.

The ‘Citizen Participatory Ombudsmen’ are part-time appointees, unlike the Citizen Audit Ombudsmen who are fixed-term public officials. They participate in the committee’s tasks such as audits, handling grievance complaints, and monitoring and evaluating Seoul’s public projects.

Kim Euisung, the First Deputy Mayor for Administration, presented the appointment letters and said, “The active participation of the Citizen Participatory Ombudsmen will be a great force in creating a more attractive Seoul that walks alongside the vulnerable,” expressing his gratitude to the ‘Participatory Ombudsmen.’

Joo Yonghak, Chairperson of the Seoul Citizen Audit Ombudsman Committee, stated, “We are grateful to many people from various sectors who responded to the open recruitment and recommendation process for Participatory Ombudsmen. We will do our best to enhance the fairness and transparency of Seoul through citizen participation in monitoring and evaluation activities.”