'Met 8,000 Residents' Kim Dong-yeon: "I Will Not Lose My Original Intention and Will Return Better Opportunities"

Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province (center), is communicating with residents at the 'A Wonderful Day in October Hand-in-Hand Talk' held on the 21st at Suwon Outdoor Music Hall No. 1.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon promised to stay true to his original intentions and return better opportunities to the residents of Gyeonggi Province.

On the 21st, Governor Kim Dong-yeon made this statement while attending the ‘October Wonderful Day Hand-in-Hand Talk’ held at Suwon’s No. 1 Outdoor Music Hall to commemorate Gyeonggi Residents’ Day (October 18). Approximately 8,000 residents from all 31 cities and counties in the province participated in the event.

Governor Kim first said, "I want to meet each and every one of the 14 million residents and provide better opportunities to all of you," adding, "I will not lose my original intention and will maintain the same heart as when we first met. I will do my best to keep the promises I have made."

He continued, "I want to communicate with you," and added, "Please acknowledge me when you see me anywhere, ask to take photos, share what you want to say, and if you have any wishes for me, I would really appreciate it if you tell me."

The main event, Hand-in-Hand Talk, was conducted with activities such as drawing wishes submitted by residents under the theme ‘Hopes for the Governor,’ a resident-participation OX quiz, and a free Q&A session about provincial administration.

A resident from Godeung-dong, Suwon City, expressed the hope that "a complex cultural facility for youth would be established by gathering local residents’ opinions at the old district office building in Gyeonggi Province."

In response, Governor Kim said, "We are implementing plans to revitalize the old district office building step by step. We will bring in institutions related to social innovation or social economy and some public institutions to that area to ensure quick revitalization," adding, "We also have plans for youth and young adults. We will actively review the opinions you have given today."

A young person asked, "Gyeonggi Province is running a transportation cost support program, but I am curious whether support is provided when youth use the subway alone."

Governor Kim replied, "The Gyeonggi Pass will be implemented starting July next year. It will be available to all Gyeonggi residents and cover all types of transportation, including youth, so that greater benefits will be provided."

A resident from Namyangju requested, "With the completion of the Wangsuk District in Namyangju, the population will be close to one million, so I hope a higher-level hospital will be established in the city."

Governor Kim responded, "We are creating measures to improve and supplement the overall medical system in the northeastern part of Gyeonggi Province and are also considering establishing a public medical center in the northern region."

The pre-event performances added meaning to the event with participatory performances by the Dream With Ensemble composed of people with developmental disabilities, the Haneul Sori Choir, vocalist Woo Jae-gi, and the Ansan Akdong Club, the grand prize winner of the Residents’ Autonomous Culture Contest. Following this were the residents’ original play ‘Dream of Opportunity,’ congratulatory performances by singers Park Jung-hyun and Davichi, and an advertising balloon video show.

On this day, to commemorate the 6th Gyeonggi Residents’ Day, Gyeonggi Province awarded the ‘Gyeonggi Residents’ Commendation’ to eight residents who contributed to the development of the province.

The awardees are: ▲ Kim Jong-il, head of the Kim Jong-il Legal Office, in the field of law and order establishment ▲ Jeon Byung-chan, CEO of Hyo Planning & Printing, in rural development ▲ Han Ji-seok, head of Oticon Hearing Aid Namyangju Branch, in social welfare ▲ Lim Jeong-min, CEO of 88 Hood Co., Ltd., in regional economy ▲ Yang Jeong-bun, director of Yang Jeong-bun Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, in environmental conservation ▲ Kim Young-sik, head of JL Hankkum Arts Group, in culture and arts ▲ Park Hyun-soo, deputy of Uijeongbu City Sports Council, in sports promotion ▲ Han Jong-myeong, advisor of the Gimpo City Council of the National Unification Advisory Council, in unification and security.

Earlier, in July, marking the second year of the 8th term of the elected government, Gyeonggi Province planned to hold the ‘Midsummer Night Hand-in-Hand Talk with the Governor’ and received applications from about 20,000 residents, but the event was postponed due to the response to heavy rain.