[Interview] Baek Insuk, Chairperson of Yeosu City Council: "Shaping the Future Together with Citizens"

Citizens Raise Issues, Community Seeks Solutions
A Participatory Governance Model for Yeosu’s Future

"The future of Yeosu cannot be led by the administration or any single institution alone. True change will occur only when citizens, businesses, universities, and organizations come together. The problem-solving platform will become an innovative communication structure unique to Yeosu."

On August 20, Baek Insuk, Chairperson of Yeosu City Council, proposed a "new urban development model created together with citizens" in an interview with our newspaper. This is the "Yeosu-style Problem-Solving Platform." The idea is to move away from an administration-driven approach and establish a participatory governance system in which citizens directly raise issues and the local community works together to find solutions.

Baek Insuk, Chairperson of Yeosu City Council.

The core of the platform is the Yeosu "Regional Issues Council." Not only the city council and city government, but also the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Association, local universities, and civic groups will participate in its operation. The council will verify the issues identified by citizens and develop them into actionable agendas. It is not limited to simple discussions; instead, it is a structure in which the public and private sectors jointly implement solution projects.

The process of identifying issues is also operated in a citizen-led manner. Anyone can submit suggestions via online portals, local festivals, or community briefings, and agendas are accepted in various areas such as tourism service improvement, environmental protection, transportation convenience, youth culture, and local jobs. The core is to provide customized solutions that connect Yeosu's marine and tourism resources with the creativity of its youth.

Specific project ideas have already been proposed. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Yeosu will host "Small Playground by the Sea," where young artists use breakwaters and harbor spaces for exhibitions and performances; "Seaside Rest Area," which will install benches, small cafes, and charging stations along coastal roads; the "Yeosu Cultural Product Development Challenge," a startup support project based on local specialties; and "Eco-Friendly Clean Day," an initiative where citizens and tourists pick up litter together.

Chairperson Baek explained, "If we build together with citizens, starting with small initiatives, Yeosu can leap forward as a sustainable marine cultural city, not just a tourist destination."

Performance management will also be conducted transparently. Progress will be released in real time on electronic billboards at city hall and major tourist spots, and regular evaluation meetings will allow participating organizations and citizens to discuss improvements together. This is expected to increase administrative credibility and continuously encourage citizen participation.

Once this platform is fully operational, it is expected to strengthen citizen initiative, produce a Yeosu-tailored development model, improve the city’s tourism image, and promote social integration and the restoration of trust.

In particular, it is significant in that it enables citizens to take the lead in development strategies by utilizing Yeosu's assets in culture, tourism, industrial complexes, and fisheries.

Chairperson Baek stated, "The Yeosu-style problem-solving platform will make even the smallest citizen proposal the starting point for changing the region," and expressed her vision, saying, "I will shape Yeosu's future together with its citizens." She added, "The new changes in Yeosu will now begin at the fingertips of its citizens."