Mayor Kim Byungsu: "Children's Right to Learn Comes First... Maximum Accommodation Within Legal Boundaries"

Gimpo City Holds Meeting with Saesol School Emergency Parent Committee
Mayor Kim Byungsu Explains City’s Position After Listening to Concerns
Park Golf Course Dispute Resolved, Accelerating “Open Communication Administration”
School Officials: “No Further Reversals... Thank You for the Decision”

On January 20, Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Byungsu) held a meeting with the Saesol School Emergency Parent Committee and school officials, reaching a consensus to prioritize student safety and the educational environment while jointly developing a park golf course. This agreement effectively brought an end to the conflict and controversy surrounding the park golf course.

Kim Byungsu, Mayor of Gimpo City, is holding a meeting with the Saesol School Emergency Parent Committee and the school officials on the 20th. Provided by Gimpo City

The meeting was arranged at the initiative of Mayor Kim Byungsu to directly listen to the concerns raised by parents during the process of establishing the park golf course, and to transparently explain the city’s position as well as future operational and management plans.

The meeting, which was convened immediately after the school and parents reached an agreement, was attended by Mayor Kim Byungsu; Han Jongwoo, Chairman of the Administrative Welfare Committee of the Gimpo City Council; Yoo Youngsook, City Council Member; the Saesol School Administrative Director; the Head of Academic Affairs; members of the Emergency Parent Committee; the President of the Gimpo City School Association; and the President of the Soltego Parent Association.

During the meeting, participants discussed topics such as measures to ensure student safety during movement, ways to connect public sports facilities with educational activities, and the need for experiential spaces for students. Mayor Kim Byungsu stated that he would carefully listen to the opinions of both the school and parents, and that the city would take every possible measure within its capacity.

Mayor Kim Byungsu said, “Gimpo City fundamentally intends to accommodate requests to the greatest extent possible, except for areas where legal exceptions apply. I agree that there should be no inconvenience for children in their learning. The city has engaged in several rounds of consultations from before the start of construction to just before its completion for this very reason, and we will continue to actively address any inconvenience during the course of use.”

He added, “While the city actively works to improve the quality of life for citizens, it is also an institution that must strive to use public funds efficiently without waste. Since this matter is directly related to the safety and educational environment of our children, the city will actively reflect the opinions of students and parents. However, as this has involved repeated adjustments, I ask the school to also engage in active communication so that we can find sustainable solutions together. Within our shared community and with limited resources, we must continue open dialogue so that everyone can move forward in the desired direction.”

In response, school officials stated, “We promise there will be no further reversals. We will ensure that parents fully understand the situation through thorough explanations.” The parents’ committee also expressed their appreciation with applause, saying, “We thank the mayor for making such a difficult decision under challenging circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Gimpo City plans to continue gathering feedback from students and parents throughout the project and operational stages, aiming to create an open public sports facility that harmonizes student safety with community use.