Union strike looms as city presses ahead with leadership appointment

Jeon Jae-soo says he takes assembly's concerns 'seriously'

Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo presents an appointment certificate to Kim Tae-ho (right), the new president of Busan Transportation Corporation, on Wednesday. [Busan city government]
Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo presents an appointment certificate to Kim Tae-ho (right), the new president of Busan Transportation Corporation, on Wednesday. [Busan city government]

Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo on Wednesday appointed Kim Tae-ho, former president of Seoul Metro, as the new head of Busan Transportation Corporation. The appointment ceremony was held at 3:40 p.m. at City Hall, and Kim will serve a three-year term.

The city pressed ahead with the appointment despite the Busan City Council having deemed Kim "unqualified" following a confirmation hearing, saying it had prioritized the stable operation of the urban rail system, which is directly tied to residents' daily lives and convenience. City officials said a prompt appointment was essential to prevent a prolonged leadership vacuum and to ensure pressing issues are addressed with accountability.

Among those issues is a union strike scheduled for Friday, which made filling the top post at the transportation corporation all the more urgent, as the new head will be responsible for labor-management negotiations and key decisions.

The city said it takes the council's "unqualified" assessment seriously, but added that after a comprehensive review — weighing concerns raised during the hearing alongside the candidate's expertise, management capabilities and the urgency of the agency's challenges — it found no significant disqualifying grounds to block the appointment.

Jeon said the position carries responsibility for public safety and convenience, and therefore demands not only leadership ability but also the drive and accountability to resolve pressing issues. He urged Kim to take the council's concerns to heart and focus on delivering tangible results and earning public trust while tackling the corporation's most urgent challenges.

Meanwhile, the city said it would "deliberate further" before deciding whether to proceed with the appointment of Kim Myung-su as head of Busan Facilities Corporation, a nomination that has drawn criticism as a parachute appointment and a reward for political loyalty.


kaf2002@heraldcorp.com