Gwangju Metropolitan Council Realizes a "Sincere Council Working with Citizens"

First-Ever Female Chairperson... One Year of Achievements Reviewed
Dynamic Legislative Activities Balancing Energy and Meticulousness
First Local Council to Establish "Local Council Act Enactment Task Force"
First in the Nation to Win "Outstanding Ordinance" Award for Six Consecutive Years
Operation of "Accident Response Support Team" for Jeju Air Disaster

Soojung Shin, Chairperson of Gwangju Metropolitan Council.

On July 10, the Gwangju Metropolitan Council (Chairperson Soojung Shin) announced that, marking the first year of the second half of its 9th term (from July 2024 to June 2025), it has pursued dynamic legislative activities focused on livelihood and communication, with the goal of becoming a "sincere council working with citizens, through the eyes of citizens."

Since the launch of the second half last July, the council elected its first-ever female chairperson and has since realized a balance of dynamism and meticulousness in its operations. In particular, the council has gained attention for achieving various results aimed at improving citizens' quality of life and advancing local autonomy.

Notable achievements have been made in the field of legislative activities. The council pioneered the operation of "public late-night pediatric hospitals" for the first time in the country, winning the grand prize at the "Best Practices Contest for Local Councils" organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. It also became the only metropolitan council nationwide to receive the Outstanding Ordinance Award for six consecutive years. In addition, to enhance the effectiveness of ordinances and ensure the reliability of legislation, the council established a "Legislative Evaluation Committee," thereby strengthening the substance of its legislative work.

Efforts to strengthen local autonomy have also stood out. The council was the only metropolitan council nationwide to form and operate a "Local Council Act Enactment Task Force," directly proposing related legislation to the National Assembly and taking the lead in securing council independence and improving systems. Furthermore, through the National Association of City and Provincial Council Chairpersons, the council announced 10 proposals to improve livelihood-related laws and 32 statements on regional and national issues, thereby conveying the voices of citizens to the government and the National Assembly.

The council has also been active in field-oriented livelihood legislative activities. It held "on-site meetings" by directly visiting various locations, including the Chungjang-ro commercial district, Bitgreen Industrial Complex, local alley markets, the firefighters' labor union, the planned site for Urban Railway Line 2, investment agencies, and veterans' organizations, to listen to citizens' voices firsthand and connect them to institutional improvements.

A view of Gwangju City Council.

The council's original function of overseeing the executive branch was also strengthened. In the 2024 administrative audit, the council made 936 requests for corrections and improvements, a 17.4% increase compared to the previous year. It also presented 131 policy questions and 31 five-minute free speeches as policy alternatives. Through 46 policy debates, research groups, and policy networks led by council members, the culture of a "working and learning council" has become established.

Communication with citizens was further enhanced. When the Jeju Air passenger plane accident occurred at the end of last year, the council immediately formed an "accident response support team" at the council level, providing on-site support and protecting bereaved families. For the first time, it operated a citizen-participation promotional booth on Gwangju Citizens' Day, opened the main assembly hall to the public to increase citizens' engagement, and worked to spread democratic awareness through activities such as "special lectures on the Constitution."

The council also paid attention to internal communication. Chairperson Soojung Shin held individual meetings and encouragement meals with all staff members to listen to their difficulties, practicing a delicate and gentle leadership style.

In particular, after the declaration of the 12·3 Martial Law last year, the council displayed a large banner on the front of the council building for an extended period, calling for the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The council also led the way in restoring democracy through press conferences and protests by council members.

Chairperson Soojung Shin stated, "Over the past year, we have tirelessly pursued livelihood-focused legislative activities that seek answers in the field, responsible legislative activities that drive institutional improvement, and communicative legislative activities together with citizens. For the remaining year of the second half, I will do my utmost to ensure that regional issues are fully reflected in the new government's national agenda."