Uijeongbu Mayor Kim Donggeun to Hold Book Launch on 16th-17th... Candid Dialogue with Citizens

Kim Donggeun, Mayor of Uijeongbu, has published a book titled "Uijeongbu Problem Solver," which documents the city administration's record of resolving issues together with citizens. A book launch event will be held over two days, from the 16th to the 17th.

Kim Donggeun, Mayor of Uijeongbu, has published a book titled "Uijeongbu Problem Solver," which records the city administration's efforts to resolve issues together with citizens. A book launch event will be held for two days from the 16th to the 17th. Provided by Uijeongbu City

Unlike most political events, which are typically held in large venues and last for a short period, this book launch will take place over two days at a local caf? run by a young small business owner, without any formal protocol or ceremonies.

Mayor Kim Donggeun chose this approach to create an opportunity for deeper dialogue and to listen to more stories from citizens, using the book as a medium, rather than making a formal stage greeting or delivering a one-sided speech.

The newly published book is a record, from the perspective of citizens, of the major issues Uijeongbu has faced and how they were resolved during Mayor Kim Donggeun's three and a half years in office. In the preface, Mayor Kim wrote, "An hour given to the mayor weighs the same as an hour for all 470,000 citizens," and added, "I have always stood on site with a sense of responsibility, knowing that every daily decision directly affects the lives of citizens."

The book covers issues directly related to citizens' safety and daily life, such as the response to the child sex offender Kim Geunsik case, the cancellation of the logistics center project in Gosan-dong, the relocation of the waste incineration plant and reserve forces training center, and the operation of the on-site mayor's office. In particular, it provides a detailed account of how solutions were derived through public discussions and deliberative processes on highly contentious matters.

It also addresses mid- to long-term tasks aimed at preparing for the city's future, including the transformation of returned U.S. military sites into advanced industrial clusters, the development of the Uijeongbu Station area, the selection of candidate sites for the free economic zone, attracting companies and creating jobs, the establishment of the Baek Youngsoo Municipal Art Museum, and the creation of ecological streams.

This book is regarded as more than just a record of Uijeongbu's city administration; it serves as an example of how a city can find a path forward together with its citizens during moments of crisis and transition, and what perspectives and methods can be employed in such times.