Mayor Kang Ki-jung Holds 'On-site Dialogue' with Gwangju Women's University Students

Expressing 20s' Real-Life Concerns on Employment and Youth
"Institutional Support to Let Us Live 'Our Own Lives'"

Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung is visiting Gwangju Women's University in Gwangsan-gu on the 12th, engaging in a conversation with university students under the theme "Youth Asks, Mayor Answers." Photo by Gwangju City

On the 12th, Kang Ki-jung, mayor of Gwangju, communicated with young people at Gwangju Women's University under the theme "Youth Asks, Mayor Answers."

On this day, Mayor Kang promised the youth, who expressed difficulties due to various issues, that "I will be a stepping stone so that young people can step on me and rise."

The city continues meetings to communicate with local universities and reflect the diverse opinions of young people in city administration. Students mainly attending the conversation were from Gwangju Women's University's representative specialized departments: the Department of Aviation Service, the Department of Beauty Science, and the Department of Companion Animal Health. The students voiced the realistic difficulties faced by young people in their early to mid-20s.

Mayor Kang said, "Like bamboo that forms strong nodes for growth, you are now at the stage of forming the nodes of your youth. However, my 20s and the current 20s are so different that it is difficult to give advice. I empathize because my daughter born in 1996 and my son born in 1999 are also worried about employment. One thing I want to cautiously say is never to underestimate yourself."

Mayor Kang then referred to the recent graduation speech by singer Lee Hyori, which became a hot topic, and explained the meaning of Gwangju city's slogan, "A City of Opportunities Where Tomorrow Shines."

Mayor Kang stated, "It was created with the hope that citizens live a life centered on 'me,' not a life for someone else. I also ask you to listen to your own voice. As mayor, I will do my best to create social and institutional support so that you can live a life focused on your heart."

Meanwhile, a student who attended the conversation said, "I will cherish today's stories well. Gwangju Women's University is the only four-year women's university outside the metropolitan area," and added, "I hope Gwangju city's support for employment and other areas will increase."