[Interview] 2026 Hamyang County Council: Insights from Chairman Kim Yuntaek

"A Council Seeking Answers in the Daily Lives of Residents
A Council Committed to Constant Communication with the Community"

To mark the New Year of 2026, Kim Yuntaek, Chairman of the Hamyang County Council, announced the council's operational direction, emphasizing communication and participation as core values. He stated, "We will realize an open council where any resident can visit and freely express their opinions."

Chairman Kim stressed the council’s responsibility and role in addressing local issues, expressing his determination to restore residents’ trust through field-oriented legislative activities.

Photo by Kim Yuntaek, Chairman of Hamyang County Council.

The following is a Q&A interview with Chairman Kim Yuntaek for the New Year.

◆ How do you feel as the New Year 2026 begins?

"As the New Year begins, I am once again reminded of the weight of trust and expectations placed upon me by the residents. Last year was marked by various issues and conflicts surrounding Hamyang County. In the New Year, I will listen to the voices of our residents with greater humility, and the council will do its utmost to guide the county administration in the right direction."

◆ What will be the main focus of the council's operation this year?

"Above all else, the focus is on 'resident-centered legislation.' Rather than performative council activities, we must create changes that residents can truly feel in their daily lives. We will concentrate on responsible council management by thoroughly scrutinizing the effectiveness of policies and maintaining reasonable oversight of the executive branch."

◆ What is your stance on the relationship with the executive branch?

"The council and the executive branch are not adversaries, but partners in mutual oversight and cooperation. The council's role is to support well-executed policies and to clearly point out problematic administration. We will strengthen our oversight function to ensure that residents’ taxes are not wasted."

◆ What does 'open council' mean to you?

"An open council means sharing all legislative activities with residents and creating structures for their participation. The key is to transparently release the decision-making process and outcomes of the council, and to ensure that residents' opinions are reflected in policies and ordinances."

◆ What specific measures will you take to strengthen communication with residents?

"We plan to increase on-site visits and forums, and create more opportunities to directly hear the opinions of various groups. Furthermore, instead of one-sided explanations by the council, we will make these gatherings a place for active listening and discussion with residents."

◆ What efforts are being made to enhance transparency in council operations?

"We are focusing on releasing and explaining information in a way that is easy for residents to understand during legislative activities and budget reviews. We will continue responsible legislative activities so that residents can clearly see how their taxes are being used."

◆ What do you see as the council’s role in expanding resident participation?

"It is important to ensure that residents are not just beneficiaries of policies, but active participants. We will actively collect and incorporate residents’ proposals and opinions into legislation, aiming for a council created together with the community."

◆ Lastly, is there a New Year's message you would like to share with the residents?

"I wish all residents health and happiness in their homes throughout the New Year 2026. Hamyang County Council will remain steadfast in fulfilling its role as the voice of the people. I kindly ask for your continued interest and valuable advice."