Can Jo Young-chang, Seoul City Director, Find a Solution for Mapo Resource Recovery Facility?

Jo Young-chang, head of the Seoul Resource Recovery Facility Promotion Team (55), started his public service career as a Grade 9 tax officer in Gangbuk-gu, was promoted to Grade 5, then moved to Seoul City Hall and rose to Grade 3, making him a remarkable figure.

During his tenure as Director of the Seoul City Logistics Policy Division, he successfully resolved the challenging issue of the Yangjae-dong logistics center, was promoted to Director of the General Affairs Division, and then advanced to Grade 3 in January last year.

Due to Director Jo’s problem-solving abilities, he was highly trusted not only by Hwang Bo-yeon, then Director of Urban Transportation, but also by Kang Cheol-won, Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs.

Director Jo was assigned the task of resolving one of Seoul City’s most difficult issues: the construction of the Mapo Resource Recovery Facility.

However, last month, the Seoul Administrative Court sided with the residents of Mapo-gu, creating obstacles. After winning the case in the Administrative Court, Mapo residents have continued their opposition by submitting a petition with signatures to the Seoul High Court.

Recently, Director Jo told reporters, “It is a difficult matter, but I will prepare diligently for a second trial victory,” expressing his determination to find the best solution that benefits both Seoul City and the residents of Mapo-gu.

Building a waste incineration plant is undoubtedly one of the most challenging urban issues, as local residents strongly oppose construction in their area.

However, from the perspective of the entire city, such facilities are indispensable and must exist somewhere, making the problem difficult to solve.

It remains to be seen how Director Jo will tackle this difficult issue. If he finds a clever way to persuade the residents of Mapo-gu, he will lay the foundation for a significant leap forward, likely earning recognition as a true legend of Grade 9 and possibly achieving promotion beyond Grade 3.

Director Jo, who was promoted to Grade 5 faster than others and received both envy and admiration, is expected to receive proper evaluation from both superiors and subordinates if he solves this difficult task with his skills.