What Did Seogangseok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, Say in His Special Lecture to Sillim University Juniors?

Seogangseok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, Gives Special Lecture on May 9 to Students of Urban Administration and Public Administration Departments at Alma Mater Seoul National University of Science and Technology on the Theme ‘Youth Preparing for the Future’... Becomes a Mentor to Students through Warm Response, Empathy, and Communication

Seogangseok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, gave a special lecture on May 9 to students of the Urban Administration and Public Administration departments at Seoul National University of Science and Technology on the theme ‘Youth Preparing for the Future’.

The lecture was attended by faculty members and about 150 students. Mayor Seogangseok is an alumnus of the university, passed the civil service exam, and has been an urban administration expert in Seoul for 33 years.

He is also a Ph.D. in Public Administration, a published poet, and novelist, delivering a profound lecture with his humanities background that deeply moved and inspired the students.

In his lecture, Mayor Seogangseok began by sharing his own story of living a life of challenge and achievement without giving up on his dreams. He spoke about South Korea’s growth from a nation with a per capita income of 70 dollars after the Korean War to a country with 34,000 dollars per capita income?a 500-fold increase?and discussed the future direction of South Korea as a free, human rights-respecting, and prosperous nation. He explained what kind of youth should take responsibility for the future of Korea.

He emphasized that youth should live as ‘free individuals’ who pioneer and take responsibility for their own destiny by their own power. He highlighted the core values that such youth should have: ‘a spirit of challenge,’ ‘creativity,’ ‘learning,’ ‘passion,’ and ‘character.’

As an elected mayor chosen by the sovereign residents, he explained that he practices ‘servant administration that treats residents as owners, not as complainants,’ and that this shift in perspective has led to many achievements in district administration.

Students who attended the lecture shared their impressions, saying, “It seems that the senior is personally showing how public administration is applied in reality,” “It was a valuable time to envision our future,” and “I felt that he is thinking about and working hard for the youth. I hope there will be more opportunities for communication.”

Seogangseok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, “The future of myself and the country depends solely on the choices of the youth,” and added, “I will continue to discover and expand policies for youth so that young people with infinite potential can freely challenge and achieve as free individuals who pioneer their own destiny.”