Appointment of Public Relations Directors from Seoul and Other Districts... Why?

Dongdaemun-gu's Kim Eun-kyung, Yeongdeungpo-gu's Kang Byung-min, Seoul City natives, and Jongno's Seo Hee-sook, Jung-gu native
Public Relations Manager appointments draw attention

Seoul's autonomous districts have completed the formation of their public relations teams for 2025.

Amid this, public relations chiefs originally from Seoul City have been stationed in Dongdaemun-gu and Yeongdeungpo-gu, drawing attention.

Kim Eun-kyung, the Public Relations Chief of Dongdaemun-gu, graduated from Korea University with a degree in Business Administration. She joined Seoul City through the Grade 7 open competitive exam and worked as the head of the Digital Cooperation Team before transferring to Dongdaemun-gu as the Public Relations Officer in August 2023. After playing a significant role as the Head of Autonomous Administration last year, she was reassigned as the Public Relations Officer this year. This proves the trust she has earned from Lee Pil-hyung, the Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu.

Kang Byung-min, the Public Relations Media Chief of Yeongdeungpo-gu, entered Seoul City in 1999 through the Grade 9 open competitive exam and worked in welfare offices before transferring to Yeongdeungpo-gu last year. After serving as the Head of the Street Landscape Division for one year, he was appointed as the Public Relations Chief. Although Kang is not very familiar with local affairs, he appears to have been recognized for his diligence by Mayor Choi Ho-kwon, leading to his appointment as Public Relations Chief.

There are also public relations chiefs from other autonomous districts.

Seo Hee-sook, the Public Relations Chief of Jongno-gu, is originally from Jung-gu. She moved to Jongno during the 8th elected term and has been recognized by Mayor Jeong Moon-heon of Jongno-gu for her skills, leveraging her experience in press and planning work during her time in Jung-gu.

In contrast, some Seoul autonomous districts have cases where public relations chiefs who have worked in the area their entire lives are replaced within six months to a year, creating a stark contrast.

An official from one autonomous district stated, “Most public relations chiefs are appointed from the local area, but there are cases where capable individuals from Seoul City or other autonomous districts are assigned. This also serves to increase tension within the public service community and enhance organizational efficiency,” conveying the significance of this practice.