Jeong Wono of Seongdong with 3 terms, Kim Gilseong of Junggu as a first-term, Lee Gijae of Yangcheon, and Oh Eunseok of Dobong District, all former aides to local National Assembly members, receive positive reviews for swiftly initiating regional development since taking office
Seoul district mayors who previously served as aides to local members of the National Assembly are gaining attention for being highly effective in their roles.
As aides to National Assembly members, they have an in-depth understanding of local issues and even know the residents well, making them naturally well-suited to serve as district mayors.
In particular, in Seoul, Jeong Won-oh, a three-term mayor of Seongdong District, exemplifies this. Mayor Jeong served as an aide for eight years to Assemblyman Lim Jong-seok, who was re-elected in Seongdong District, and thanks to this experience, he was elected as the mayor of Seongdong District in the 6th local election and has since secured three consecutive terms through the 7th and 8th local elections.
Seongdong District first made history with former mayor Ko Jae-deuk, who served four terms during the 1st to 3rd and 5th local elections.
Following this, Mayor Jeong Won-oh set a record as a three-term mayor, proving Seongdong District as a stronghold of the Democratic Party. Having served as vice president of the student council at the University of Seoul and as the first secretary to the mayor of Yangcheon District, Mayor Jeong gained experience in autonomous district administration. He is credited with initiating regional development in the Seongsu-dong area and relocating the Sempio Remicon site near Seoul Forest, marking a turning point in local development.
Riding this momentum, he is reportedly considering running in the general election; however, he faces a difficult position as his former boss, Lim Jong-seok, the former presidential chief of staff, has also expressed intentions to run in next year’s general election. As a sitting mayor, it seems challenging for Mayor Jeong to resign mid-term and run for the general election.
Alongside him, other aides-turned-mayors such as Kim Gil-seong of Jung District, Lee Gi-jae of Yangcheon District, and Oh Eon-seok of Dobong District have been actively working and receiving positive evaluations during the 8th local election term.
Mayor Kim Gil-seong is practically a native of Jung District, having graduated from elementary and middle schools there. He served as an aide to former Assemblyman Ji Sang-wook, making him exceptionally knowledgeable about Jung District’s affairs.
With a background as a journalist, a Blue House administrator, and president of Yongin Urban Corporation, Mayor Kim has achieved results since taking office in the 8th local election term, including efforts to lift height restrictions around Namsan. He has also strengthened communication with residents through consecutive redevelopment area briefings, earning favorable reviews.
Mayor Lee Gi-jae of Yangcheon District served as an aide to Assemblyman Won Hee-ryong, who is originally from Yangcheon District. He later worked as a Blue House administrator during the Lee Myung-bak administration and even ran in a general election in Yangcheon, demonstrating a solid local base.
Mayor Lee showed strong capabilities, especially due to his close ties with Won Hee-ryong, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and a key figure in the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, which helped pass the reconstruction of Mokdong complexes 1, 2, 4, 8, and 13. He also announced plans for comprehensive development of the Mokdong retention basin and Mokdong sports field, receiving positive feedback.
Additionally, he has been actively addressing aircraft noise issues in the Sinwol-dong area.
Mayor Lee frequently holds local festivals, fostering regular interaction with residents.
Mayor Oh Eon-seok of Dobong District also comes from a background as an aide to former Assemblyman Kim Seon-dong of Dobong. Elected as a mayor from the People Power Party in Dobong, a Democratic Party stronghold, Mayor Oh has demonstrated strong leadership by resolving major local issues such as the undergrounding of the KTX Dobong section and lifting height restrictions on Dobongsan Mountain during the 8th local election term. He is known to have a close relationship with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, which is advantageous in addressing local issues.
Moreover, he is highly regarded for his exceptional communication with both residents and district office staff.
In this way, Seoul district mayors who previously served as aides to local National Assembly members are leveraging their deep knowledge of local affairs to quickly settle in and create a turning point for regional development.
An official from a Seoul autonomous district commented, “Mayors who have served as aides to local National Assembly members have a thorough understanding of local affairs, which provides them with a solid foundation to settle into their roles immediately after taking office, enabling them to achieve results.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
