[Interview] Andong City Council Chairman Kim Kyungdo: "The Council’s Existence Is Proven When Citizens Smile"

"First Anniversary in Office: Large-Scale Wildfire Recovery as Top Priority"
Accelerating Policy Implementation Through On-Site Communication and Cooperative Governance

Kim Kyungdo, chairman of Andong City Council, marked his first anniversary in office by stating, "Politics is about action, not words, and the true reason for the council's existence is proven only when citizens are smiling."

Kim Kyungdo, chairman of Andong City Council, is being interviewed by a reporter from this publication.

He reflected on the past year as "a period of tirelessly running toward the field," and expressed his intention to focus on large-scale wildfire recovery, stabilization of residents' livelihoods, the regeneration of the old downtown area, and the creation of youth jobs during the remainder of his term.

In a recent special interview with Asia Economy, Chairman Kim emphasized, "Local councils are at the forefront of making tangible changes in citizens' lives," and added, "I will accelerate policy implementation based on action and cooperation."

◆"Politics is action... The council will find answers alongside citizens"

Chairman Kim summarized the achievements of the past year in one phrase: "field-oriented action." He said, "The role of the council is not just to strike the gavel, but to be with citizens, hear their concerns directly, and solve their problems. I aimed to earn citizens' trust through action rather than words, and through execution rather than declarations."

In fact, immediately after the wildfire damage, he was the first to visit the site, listen to residents' difficulties, and request prompt administrative response from the executive branch. He also supported the rapid implementation of practical recovery assistance, such as providing temporary housing, livelihood support, and distributing agricultural machinery.

◆"Calling for special legislation through regional solidarity... Institutional recovery is necessary"

In particular, at the Gyeongbuk City and County Council Chairpersons' Council held in May, Chairman Kim proposed a joint statement urging the enactment of a special law for wildfire damage in the Yeongnam region, which was adopted unanimously. He stressed, "It is difficult for a single local government to respond to disasters alone," and insisted, "The National Assembly and the central government must step up to provide legislative and financial support for institutional recovery."

◆"Wildfire recovery and livelihood stability are top priorities... Youth job creation will also be pursued in parallel"

Regarding the direction of future council activities, he stated, "Complete recovery of wildfire-affected areas and stabilization of livelihoods will be our top priorities. If necessary, we will request additional support from the central government and prioritize related budget deliberations."

At the same time, he plans to pursue the regeneration of the old downtown, revitalization of the local economy, and creation of youth jobs as mid- to long-term tasks. Chairman Kim explained, "Through a multifaceted approach, we will design a sustainable future for the region. We will strengthen the council's policy capabilities and jointly establish an implementation roadmap with the executive branch."

◆"Cooperation is not a declaration but a result... Building trust-based collaboration with the administration"

Regarding relations with the executive branch, Chairman Kim said, "The essence of the council is oversight, but the ultimate goal is citizens' happiness. Only by combining rational criticism with practical cooperation can the administration be executed efficiently."

He stressed that, in addition to official meetings, he is realizing trust-based cooperation with the executive branch through informal discussions, on-site visits, and prior consultations, adding, "Cooperation is proven not by words, but by results."

◆"A city where citizens smile... The council must be at the center"

Finally, Chairman Kim expressed deep gratitude and consolation to the citizens who endured the great hardship of the massive wildfire, saying, "The true owners of Andong City are its citizens. Even in times of crisis, we must not lose hope and must move forward together." He added, "I will always be a chairman who works alongside the citizens."