Jung In-hwa, Mayor of Gwangyang, Draws Attention with Candid Communication with Staff

Encouragement for Visiting Staff of the Agricultural Support Division

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] On the 20th, Gwangyang City in Jeonnam announced that it held the ‘Gwangyang City Supports You’ event in February to strengthen communication among employees and create a vibrant workplace atmosphere.

‘Gwangyang City Supports You’ was prepared to boost employee morale and to create an opportunity for free communication between the mayor and employees, breaking away from the conventional meeting formats.

[Photo by Gwangyang-si]

Mayor Jeong personally visited the Agricultural Support Division with snacks despite his busy schedule to encourage and converse with employees who have worked hard on current issues such as winning the ‘Grand Prize’ in the 2022 Eco-friendly Agriculture Evaluation and the payment of public interest allowances and direct payments to farmers and fishermen.

The event began with brief self-introductions by the Agricultural Support Division staff and proceeded in a free atmosphere where participants openly shared recent interests, concerns, and stresses related to public service life.

In particular, Mayor Jeong emphasized creating an organizational culture of mutual respect without barriers between ranks. As a senior public official, he shared his experiences of difficulties and stress relief in public service, encouraging employees to naturally express various opinions, including departmental issues and suggestions for improving office environments.

An employee from the Agricultural Support Division said, “The mayor, who once seemed distant, was surprisingly easy to talk to like a senior or a friend,” and added, “He deeply empathized with the employees’ difficulties and showed a genuine willingness to communicate, which really felt like receiving support.”

Jeong Inhwa, Mayor of Gwangyang City, said, “It was a meaningful time to directly listen to and communicate with employees who work hard on the front lines for citizens and to empathize with them,” adding, “We will continue to create opportunities for communication and strive to foster a public service community full of mutual respect.”

Meanwhile, Gwangyang City operates ‘Gwangyang City Supports You’ once a month to provide a platform for lively communication between the mayor and employees and to actively discover ideas that can help city administration.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik hss79@asiae.co.kr