'Burning Communication King' Hong Taeyong, Mayor of Gimhae, Eats Lunchbox with Staff at Yeonji Park

Anonymous Communication Board Introduced
"A Meal Together, A Conversation Together" Launched

Even before taking office, Hong Taeyong, the mayor of Gimhae, Gyeongnam, who has emphasized communication in administration by calling himself the 'Burning King of Communication,' spread out a mat to have lunch with employees at Yeonji Park.

According to Gimhae City on the 16th, an anonymous bulletin board called 'A Meal Together, A Conversation Together' was recently created on the internal administrative network at Mayor Hong's suggestion.

Since the beginning of his term, he has continued conversations with residents during visits to towns and districts, and has communicated with employees through departmental brown bag meetings whenever possible. This time, he introduced individual meetings.

When employees post their stories on this board, whether policy suggestions or personal concerns, Mayor Hong personally checks them, coordinates schedules, and has lunch with the respective employee to listen to their stories.

Since the launch of 'A Meal Together, A Conversation Together' this month, various posts have been made, such as 'I want to suggest a policy idea,' and 'I want to have lunch together at Yeonji Park and talk about various things.'

Hong Taeyong, mayor of Gimhae City in Gyeongnam, is eating lunch with employees at Naedong Yeonji Park and listening to their stories. Photo by Gimhae City Hall

So far, there have been a total of seven meeting requests, three of which have taken place.

Mayor Hong has met with employees for meals at an eel restaurant in Buream-dong and a pasta restaurant near City Hall, and, as requested, spread out a mat and shared lunchboxes with employees at Yeonji Park.

Employee A from the City Hall Environmental Bureau said, "I never expected to have lunch with the mayor at Yeonji Park on a spring day and talk not only about work but also personal matters. It feels like a weight has been lifted from my chest."

Mayor Hong said, "Whenever I see employees working hard for the citizens and the community, even taking on difficult tasks, I feel both proud and grateful, but also concerned. I am always ready to listen sincerely to any story, so please feel free to apply."