"Branded as an Incompetent Mayor" Kang Kijeong Becomes Emotional at July Regular Meeting

"After the President's Town Hall Meeting... Feelings of Unfairness and Disappointment"
"I Will Become a Mayor Who Truly Cares for Public Officials"
Swift Action on Key Issues Such as AI, Military Airport, and Subway Line 2
Reducing the Number and Delaying the Start Time of Meetings to Ease Employee Burden

Kang Kijeong, mayor of Gwangju, is expressing his reflections on the past three years by reading a handwritten letter to employees during the 'July Regular Meeting' held at the city hall's main conference room on the morning of the 1st. Provided by Gwangju City

On the 1st, Mayor Kang Kijeong of Gwangju became emotional and revealed his feelings during the 'July Regular Meeting' held at the city hall's main conference room, drawing attention to the background behind his reaction.

During the meeting, which was intended as a heartfelt letter to city officials, Mayor Kang began by saying, "Today marks three years since I took office." He then said, "I was suddenly branded as an incompetent mayor, and Gwangju as an unprepared city," and, shedding tears in front of the staff, was unable to speak for several seconds.

He mentioned, "After experiencing the aftermath of the 'Town Hall Meeting with the President,' I initially felt a great deal of unfairness and disappointment." He added, "Gradually, I came to realize that city officials must have also experienced many unfair and disappointing moments."

He continued, "You must have had moments when you were at a loss for words, felt embarrassed, or had circumstances you couldn't explain in front of me. I am sorry for not being considerate enough." He went on to say, "I tried hard to walk ten steps alone, but I realized anew that taking one step together with all of you is much more important. I will strive to become a mayor who is more attentive to the hearts of public officials."

President Lee Jae Myung is holding the "Gwangju Citizens and Jeonnam Residents Town Hall Meeting" at the National Asia Culture Center in Gwangju on the 25th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

While referring to the town hall meeting with President Lee Jae Myung, Mayor Kang was unable to control his emotions for a moment and became visibly moved.

He said, "We were delighted by the President's unexpected visit because we believed it represented the victory of democracy and the birth of the Lee Jae Myung administration, so we expected praise and gratitude." He added, "We received a great gift in the form of the 'Gwangju Military Airport Relocation Task Force,' a challenge that is difficult for local governments to resolve. I was truly grateful for that."

Mayor Kang continued, "However, there were two things we wanted to hear about in order to make Gwangju a city centered on AI: the exemption from the preliminary feasibility study for the second phase of the AI project in July, and the selection of Gwangju as the location for the National AI Computing Center." He said, "Instead, we were criticized in front of the entire nation, and I am truly sorry to all the public officials."

He emphasized, "However, we cannot stop here. Based on the achievements of the past three intense years, we will take another step forward." He stated that for the Honam Expressway expansion project, he would keep all possibilities open and listen to everyone's opinions, including through 'listening discussions,' before making a decision. He also promised that, no matter what, the opening of the road for Subway Line 2 would be completed by December.

He further stated that the groundbreaking report for the 'The Hyundai Gwangju' complex shopping mall would be held on the 8th, and that, since the proposal for preliminary negotiations for the Shinsegae Gwangcheon Terminal Complex Development Project has been submitted, the city will aim to complete the preliminary negotiations within this year.

In addition, he announced that, in response to the 'Gwangju Military Airport Relocation Task Force' led by the Presidential Office, a new organization will be established with three main entities at its core: Gwangju City, the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Gwangju branch of the Democratic Party, to support the initiative. He also stated that, within July, the exemption for the second phase of the AI project will be processed, and efforts to attract the National AI Computing Center will continue, with the blueprint for the 'AI Future Mobility New Town' to be unveiled within this year.

Meanwhile, Mayor Kang added, "I thought I had diligently and faithfully carried out my assigned duties, always looking forward. Looking back after three years, I realize that public officials have gone through truly difficult times. Therefore, I want to bring about changes in daily routines first." He said, "I will reduce the number of meetings held daily or weekly and delay their start times to lessen the burden on employees. This will start immediately from today."