[Interview] Lee Cheol, Vice Chairman of Jeonnam Provincial Council, "I Will Do My Best with Responsibility"

"I am deeply grateful for being entrusted with the important position of Vice Chairman of the 12th Jeonnam Provincial Council's second half, and I feel a great sense of responsibility and will devote myself wholeheartedly."

Lee Cheol, who was elected as the Vice Chairman of the 12th Jeonnam Provincial Council's second half during the 382nd extraordinary session, expressed in an interview with Asia Economy on the 9th, "I will deeply engrave the heavy responsibility of being Vice Chairman in my heart and fulfill my duties for the development of Jeonnam Province and the welfare of its residents."

Lee Cheol explained that his desire to bring about tangible changes in the local community was the reason he entered politics. He realized that politics is the most effective means through the process of communicating with residents and directly solving their demands and problems.

Lee Cheol, Vice Chairman of Jeonnam Provincial Council

Lee said, "For the residents, I have enacted ordinances related to fostering and supporting the semiconductor industry, promoting and supporting wellness tourism, and enabling residents' participation and sharing of development benefits in new and renewable energy power projects." He added, "To listen to diverse opinions, I visited event sites such as the National Sports Festival, the Disabled Sports Festival, the International Ink Painting Biennale, and the Namdo Film Festival to check the operation status and hear the vivid voices of the residents."

He continued, "The construction of the 144 billion KRW bridge between Soando and Gudo, which will begin in 2025, is the result of efforts to alleviate residents' inconveniences." He said, "Wando County has many islands, making transportation and medical services more inconvenient compared to other regions. For that reason, I focused on improving the living conditions and quality of life of the county residents."

He also said, "We are promoting the supply of wide-area tap water through an underwater pipeline for the residents of Nohwa and Bogil in Wando, who suffer from recurring droughts every year." He added, "As a result of persistent demands during my council activities to eliminate blind spots in emergency medical services, Wando County deployed ambulances to all 12 islands in the county, including Soando starting in 2019, Geumdangdo, Cheongsando, and Saengildo."

Lee emphasized that the role and responsibility of the Vice Chairman in the second half is to assist the Chairman, oversee detailed council operations, and help mediate opinions among council members.

Lee promised, "I will carefully observe and strive to create an open council that communicates with each other. I will smoothly coordinate the relationship between the executive branch and the council, act as a bridge to induce communication with residents and cooperation with related organizations."

He cited low birthrate issues and population inflow policies as pressing current issues and priority projects.

He pointed out, "The government declared a 'national population emergency' on June 19 due to the low birthrate problem. Especially, Jeonnam Province is facing the risk of regional extinction due to the decrease in young population, increase in aging ratio, and low birthrate issues."

Furthermore, he pledged, "During the remaining term, as a member of the Planning and Administration Committee, I will communicate with key departments overseeing planning, budgeting, and population policies to take the lead in solving problems. I will respond to current issues through policy establishment and budget support, such as strengthening youth support policies and creating an environment for population inflow."

He identified the belief that "the answer lies in the field" as his political philosophy.

Lee emphasized, "I have carried out field-centered, visiting legislative activities. I strive to communicate with residents so that their lives and policies are not disconnected, and to practice legislative activities without fear."

He added, "With the recognition of the residents, I have had the honor of being re-elected and entrusted with the important position of Vice Chairman. I will continue to do my best to represent the public will. I ask for criticism when there are mistakes, but also praise and encouragement when things are done well so that the council can properly carry out its legislative activities."

Lee Cheol, who is mentioned as a candidate for Wando County Governor, is a re-elected council member who has served on the Planning and Administration Committee, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Committee, and Special Budget and Accounts Committee since 2018.

He served as the Chairman of the Economic, Tourism and Culture Committee in the first half of the 12th term and was elected as the 2nd Vice Chairman of the 12th term's second half during the 382nd extraordinary session on June 27.