Seok-Suk Seo, Songpa District Mayor, Supports Growth as a Warm Public Official with Cultural Sensitivity

Held 'Literary Contest' for Employees Last September, Selected Final 10 Winners
Stories Reflecting Public Service Life, from Handling Malicious Complaints to Public Officials' Pride
Published Collection Shared with All Staff... Opportunity for Empathy and Communication through Literature

Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) announced the successful conclusion of the 2024 Songpa Employee Literary Contest "I Am Also a Writer," held to provide employees with an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of public service life.

The contest was held over 44 days from September 19 to November 1, during which employees expressed their own stories based on their personal experiences in public service through literary works, making the event particularly meaningful.

A total of 34 pieces, including poems and essays reflecting the rewards, concerns, and reflections felt during public service, were submitted. Based on literary quality, completeness, creativity, and composition, the Songpa Writers' Association selected 10 winners: one Grand Prize, two Gold Prizes, three Silver Prizes, and four Bronze Prizes.

Notably, the contest featured vivid stories such as ▲a junior public official gradually adapting to dealing with malicious complaints, including threats with an airsoft gun ▲episodes with welfare recipients that gave a sense of fulfillment as a public servant ▲and the heartfelt experiences of officials who soothe their wounded spirits from harsh verbal abuse during crackdowns while carrying out their duties, capturing the realities of public service.

Examples include ▲"When I asked, they told me not to do the work so poorly. They said, 'You're not even the one who gave birth to me, you damn bastard'... The smiles of my team members comforted my torn heart" ▲and “Repeatedly thanking me, they lowered their bent back even more... They said it would be nice if they could share the 300,000 won of public funds with me who worked hard... Ah, this was my reward,” expressing experiences and hardships in public service in a cheerful and engaging manner.

On December 3, the mayor personally awarded the 10 selected winners, offering congratulations and encouragement. The event also included an open session to candidly listen to the stories and difficulties contained in the works and shared by the employees.

Mayor Seo Gang-seok, a poet and novelist with excellent cultural literacy, emphasized the significance of the Songpa Employee Literary Contest, stating, “Public servants work with the mission of enhancing the convenience and welfare of Songpa residents, so sensitivity to empathize with others is even more important,” highlighting the opportunity to express cultural sensitivity.

The selected works were compiled and published as a literary collection. It will be distributed to all departments to inspire and comfort many public officials.

Additionally, the district is implementing differentiated welfare programs to improve the work environment and organizational culture for public officials, including housing stability support for non-homeowners, promotions for gyms and wedding halls, on-site physical therapy, expert psychological counseling, and cooking classes.

Mayor Seo Gang-seok of Songpa-gu stated, “This literary contest will be an opportunity for employees to share their experiences in public service and sincerely understand and empathize with each other. I hope they become warm public servants with cultural sensitivity, and we will continue to provide various welfare programs so that Songpa-gu public officials can work happily and energetically.”