Jin Kyo-hoon, the district mayor of Seoul's Gangseo-gu, held an open forum Friday with university students to hear their candid views on local administration.
Jin hosted the "Summer Administrative Intern Tea Talk" forum in the district office's main conference room, listening to a range of perspectives from the student participants.
The session ran for one hour in a relaxed atmosphere, with 33 university students who had just completed a month-long administrative internship taking part.
Jin helped ease the students' nerves as he led the conversation, and the students shared their reflections on the internship experience.
Han Eun-hye, who worked at the Gangseo-gu District Vocational Rehabilitation Center, said the experience had shown her "how important it is to create an environment where people with disabilities can achieve social independence," adding that she would use what she had learned "as a stepping stone to becoming a better member of society."
Kim Seok-won, who was placed at a neighborhood childcare center, said the internship gave him "a chance to think again about childcare and the low birth rate," and expressed hope that "more of these care facilities will be established."
After listening to the students' reflections, Jin explained why the terms "people with disabilities" and "people without disabilities" are used, and described the role and function of care facilities to deepen the students' understanding.
Following the reflection presentations, Jin took questions directly from the students.
The discussion ranged widely — from youth policy topics such as employment support and the expansion of youth spaces, to broadening channels of communication with residents.
"It was a precious time to hear the valuable thoughts these students carry," Jin said. "I will be a firm support so that they can freely pursue their dreams and build a bright future."
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