Communicating While Listening to Employment and Career Concerns of Young Students

Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung Holds 'On-site Dialogue' at Nambu University

On the afternoon of the 1st, Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung had a conversation with students under the theme "Youth Asks, Mayor Answers" at Sam-ae Hall of Nambu University, followed by a commemorative photo session.
[Photo by Gwangju City]

On the afternoon of the 1st, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung held an on-site dialogue titled "Youth Ask, Mayor Answers" at Nambu University, engaging in eye-to-eye communication with young students to support their dreams and exchange various opinions.

At the event, students discussed a wide range of topics with Mayor Kang, from light questions such as "What is your favorite food?" and "What are your prospects for Gwangju FC's matches?" to serious subjects like career concerns, employment, housing, and youth policies.

When a student asked, "Could you give advice to students struggling in an uncertain future?" Mayor Kang replied, "I worry it might sound too comforting, but still, please listen to the voice inside your heart. If you are struggling, take a break, and never forget that there are many paths to choose from."

Mayor Kang added, "I hope you listen to your own inner voice rather than the stories told by society or those around you. Looking back on my youth, the voice inside me saying 'Let's create a better world' led me to join the democratization movement, youth activism, and politics. Although employment issues make it especially tough, I want to encourage you by saying that even small but definite hope lies within yourself."

Mayor Kang and the students celebrated together by sharing their thoughts on the recent joyful news in Gwangju, including author Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature, the KIA Tigers' 12th Korean Series championship, and Gwangju FC's consecutive wins in the AFC Champions League (ACLE).

Since Gwangju City and Nambu University are promoting the training of care experts specialized in responding to a super-aged society as a collaborative project, there was also great interest in the "Gwangju-daum Integrated Care," a nationwide first standard care policy in Korea that is developing in Gwangju.

Meanwhile, a student who attended the dialogue said, "Although I have lived in Gwangju for 20 years, this is the first time I have heard the mayor's story directly. Especially in the early 20s, when concerns and worries about employment are many, I gained strength from the mayor's youth experiences. The detailed explanations about employment, housing, and youth policies made it a very beneficial time."