Is a Path to Resolve the Conflict Between Jung-gu, Seoul and Jung-gu Council Opening?

Attention Raised on the Need for Honest Dialogue Between Kim Gilsung, Jung-gu Mayor, and Gil Kiyoung, Chairman, to Resolve Conflict Over 2024 Jung-gu Budget Cuts

The question of how long the conflict between Jung-gu District Office and the Jung-gu Council in Seoul will continue is drawing attention.

Jung-gu (District Mayor Kim Gil-seong) and the Jung-gu Council (Chairman Gil Ki-young) have been unable to resolve their conflict, repeatedly sticking to their own positions following disputes over the 2024 Jung-gu budget approval at the end of last year.

The same situation occurred at the first extraordinary session of the new year held on the 19th.

On that day, the Jung-gu Council held the 283rd extraordinary session and presented, approved, and adjourned four agenda items that had been requested for reconsideration since the 8th elected term: the Seoul Special City Jung-gu Council Personnel Hearing Ordinance Reconsideration, the Seoul Special City Jung-gu Council Basic Ordinance Reconsideration, the Seoul Special City Jung-gu Council Administrative Affairs Investigation Plan Approval Reconsideration, and the 2024 Business Budget Reconsideration.

As a result, the supplementary budget proposal submitted by Jung-gu was not even reviewed.

However, Chairman Gil Ki-young’s willingness to engage in dialogue is noteworthy. Upon declaring the adjournment, Chairman Gil stated, “The current stance of the district office, which tries to resolve all relations and issues with the council solely as political matters, is increasing continuous fatigue among the 120,000 Jung-gu residents and 1,200 public officials, ultimately causing the consequences to fall on everyone. Even if there is confrontation and conflict, it is time to demonstrate the true form of democracy by meeting and compromising.”

This appears to be an expression of intent to meet and talk.

It seems desirable for Jung-gu District Mayor Kim Gil-seong to step forward, meet with Chairman Gil, and resolve the issues through dialogue.