District Mayor Lee Seung-ro inaugurated for 9th elected term, pledging a new four years alongside residents
Four key policy directions set: residential, economic, transportation and care
Seoul's Seongbuk-gu has unveiled its administrative priorities and key policies for the next four years as the 9th elected-term administration gets under way under District Mayor Lee Seung-ro.
Lee laid out his vision at an inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday at Seongbuk Community Center, pledging to focus the district's administrative resources on restoring residents' livelihoods and strengthening urban competitiveness, with the goal of improving quality of life and achieving sustainable urban development.
"The residents' choice is a solemn command — to look more closely at their lives, ease the anxieties of daily living, and prepare responsibly for the future," Lee said in his inaugural address. "Drawing on eight years of experience, I will not lose sight of my original convictions, seek answers in the field, and press forward vigorously for the uninterrupted development of Seongbuk."
Lee also reflected on the achievements of the 7th and 8th elected terms. He credited the period with laying the groundwork for grassroots democracy through resident autonomy councils and general assemblies, and with strengthening communication with residents through a field district mayor's office. He also noted progress in advancing long-delayed redevelopment and urban renewal projects, and efforts to stabilize the local economy through the Seongbuk Love Gift Certificate program and livelihood-recovery consumption vouchers.
For the 9th term, the district will pursue four core agendas: creating a culture-complex city through residential environment innovation; driving economic innovation centered on youth and livelihoods; achieving balanced development through expanded transportation and lifestyle infrastructure; and building a community-centered integrated care and safe-city system. The district plans to accelerate urban renewal projects, support alley-district commerce and youth entrepreneurship, and concentrate administrative efforts on major transportation challenges, including the Gangbuk Cross Line and the undergrounding of the Inner Circular Road.
The district also plans to expand age-friendly city initiatives and tailored support across all life stages, while reinforcing safety systems against urban disasters and accidents to provide residents with more comprehensive protection in their daily lives.
The inauguration ceremony featured the oath of office and inaugural address, a screening of resident interview videos, a celebratory performance by the Seongbuk District Women's Choir, and a "Seongbuk Hana-ro Itda (Connecting Seongbuk as One)" performance involving representatives from all 20 dong — adding meaning to the 9th term's fresh start as a shared moment with residents.
"I will narrow community divisions through communication and heal the anxieties of daily life with solid administration, building a Seongbuk that takes responsibility for residents' lives to the very end," Lee said. "With an unwavering original spirit, I will seek answers in the field so that residents can take pride in saying, 'When you've lived here, it's Seongbuk.'"
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
