Im Man-kyun Elected Chair of Seoul City Council, Emphasizes Collaboration

The power dynamics of the Seoul City Council have shifted after four years. In the 12th council, where the Democratic Party holds 80 seats and the People Power Party has 38, Im Man-kyun, a three-term council member from Gwanak 3, has been elected as the chair. As the youngest chair, he combines a gentle demeanor with a clear sense of judgment.
 
He stated that policies lacking procedures and citizen engagement will be halted, but he will actively cooperate with the Seoul city administration led by Mayor Oh Se-hoon on issues related to people's livelihoods and safety. Regarding TBS, he outlined a phased plan for normalization, including restoring its status as a public institution, establishing support ordinances, and enhancing fairness. He also discussed the need to improve the effectiveness of the Han River Bus and to consider sunk costs in the audit process. Below is a Q&A with Chair Im conducted on September 2 at the Seoul City Council.
 
- What do you think led to your selection as chair among three-term council members?
 
"Legislative activities are not done alone. Since my first term, I have maintained good relationships with senior and fellow council members, working with a mindset of collaboration over personal ambition. After successfully being re-elected, I contemplated which role to pursue among chair, vice-chair, floor leader, and operations committee chair, and I chose the chair position. I explained my candidacy and aspirations to each council member. I believe this recognition stems from the trust and sincerity I have built over the years."
 
- What do you consider your strengths compared to other candidates?
 
"All the candidates, including those with five and four terms, are excellent individuals. If I had to point out my strength, it would be my open communication with fellow council members. I frequently share concerns and legislative directions, fostering collaboration. I believe the trust built through these relationships is deeper than others."
 
- How will you lead the 12th City Council?
 
"Seoul is the capital of South Korea and a global city that attracts attention. The council must demonstrate capabilities that match this status. The starting point is citizen participation and direct communication. If the council and the administration engage in extreme confrontation due to a divided government, the citizens will suffer. While I will ensure thorough oversight and checks, I will also cooperate across party lines on policies and projects that benefit citizens. If there are procedural issues or a lack of communication with citizens and the council during the policy and budget processes, I will decisively halt them."
 
- There seems to be a high likelihood of conflict with Mayor Oh regarding the Han River Bus, TBS, and the audit garden. Which do you prioritize: confrontation or collaboration?
 
"This is not a matter of choosing one over the other. Policies pushed forward without sufficient deliberation can lead to unnecessary controversies and misunderstandings later. Mistakes must be halted. However, in the current situation of high inflation, high interest rates, and economic stagnation, we must actively support and promote policies and budgets aimed at economic recovery and safety for citizens. The council's fundamental direction is to make judgments based on the issues and the interests of citizens."
 
- Does this mean you will push for a special ordinance for the re-establishment of TBS?
 
"I have not said that. There is a sequence to follow. For TBS to normalize, it must first restore its status as a public institution. This is not something the council can do; it must be requested by the Seoul city administration. After that, the council must create and pass an ordinance that serves as the basis for financial support. Currently, a committee for recommending executives is being formed to select new leadership. Once the leadership is in place, I believe we can create a collaborative body based on mutual understanding for normalization between TBS, the Seoul city administration, and the city council."
 
- The past controversies regarding political bias cannot be overlooked.
 
"Mayor Oh has expressed agreement with the general principle of normalizing TBS while considering how to address issues of media fairness. First, we must prioritize normalization, considering the survival rights of TBS members and its functions as a public broadcaster and disaster safety broadcaster. After that, we can develop objective measures to ensure fairness with the participation of internal members and external parties. We cannot definitively state that something is fair or unfair based on one person's subjective judgment, so we must approach this cautiously."
 
- Do you believe the Han River Bus is fulfilling its role as public transportation?
 
"Initially, it was presented as a new commuting option. However, there are debates about its effectiveness as public transportation due to issues with punctuality, accessibility, and weather conditions. Mayor Oh has also acknowledged that its tourism function is significant on weekends. We cannot stop a service that is already in operation. The realistic challenge is to maximize citizen utility and usage by harmonizing the weekday public transportation function with the weekend tourism function."
 
- What is your stance on the audit garden?
 
"There was a lack of communication with citizens and the council during the process. The transition from the large Taegeukgi project to the audit garden was abrupt, leading to misunderstandings and controversies. Given the tax burden, for projects with strong opposing views, we should have solicited citizen opinions in advance and explained the necessity to the council. However, if we demolish facilities that have already been completed, it will incur additional sunk costs. The administration must learn from this and ensure that proper procedures are followed before starting future projects."
 
- You facilitated the cessation of subway protests by the National Federation of the Disabled. What is the solution?
 
"It is true that the protests by the National Federation of the Disabled caused significant inconvenience to citizens for four years and eight months. At the same time, the rights of disabled individuals to mobility and labor must be guaranteed by the state and local governments. After the 12th council was established, the Democratic Party council members met with the federation several times and agreed to temporarily halt the protests. The demands for mobility on buses and subways managed by the Seoul city administration are legitimate requests to the city. Labor rights are also a natural right to demand from the capital city. However, the extent to which these demands are accepted will require separate policy considerations."
 
- How can we institutionalize the labor rights of individuals with severe disabilities?
 
"It is already difficult for individuals with mild disabilities to find jobs, and it is even more challenging for those with severe disabilities. We need to design specific tasks that can be performed by individuals with severe disabilities and establish a performance management system. I believe the Seoul city administration and the city council can identify areas where ordinances can be created to address this issue."
 
- Gwanak District has a large youth population but is also perceived as underdeveloped and unsafe.
 
"Gwanak has been an accessible area for local youth to settle in Seoul. With relatively low housing costs in areas like Daehak-dong and goshiwons, it has become the district with the highest number of single-person households and youth. Despite its proximity to Gangnam and Yeouido, it is undervalued. When a few serious incidents occur, the name 'Gwanak' is highlighted, damaging the overall image of the area. However, Gwanak has significant potential for development."
 
- What areas will you focus on for Gwanak's development?
 
"Housing, transportation, and education are the three key areas. Gwanak has many low-rise residential areas, including single-family homes, multi-family homes, and small apartment buildings. During my first term, I worked on redevelopment and improving living conditions as a member of the urban planning management committee. In my district alone, seven to eight rapid integrated planning redevelopment projects are currently underway. Once these projects are completed, the living environment will improve significantly, attracting newlyweds and younger generations."
 
- What is the key to transportation in the area?
 
"In the past, Gwanak's rail transportation heavily relied on Line 2, but the opening of the Sinlim Line has improved access to Yeouido. The Nankok Line has been a repeated election promise for over 20 years, leading to significant distrust among residents. Currently, a preliminary feasibility study by the Ministry of Economy and Finance is underway, and we expect positive results by the end of the year. The Western Line will connect Seoul National University Station to Saejal Station. The previous preferred bidder has withdrawn, and we are seeking a new private operator. If private investment is not feasible, we are proceeding with procedures to consider public financing as well. Once these two lines are completed, transportation in Gwanak will change dramatically."
 
- You emphasized the need for a 'safe and comfortable educational environment.'
 
"The content of education is primarily the responsibility of the central government and educational authorities, and the best I can do as a city council member is to improve the educational environment. Many schools in Gwanak are 40 to 50 years old. I have secured budgets to renovate outdated facilities so that children can study safely and comfortably. If the housing, transportation, and educational environments improve together, families can raise their children in Gwanak without needing to move until they become adults."
 
- What are your political goals after your term as chair? Are you considering running for district mayor?
 
"I have only been in office for two months, and my role as chair is already demanding. For the next two years, I will focus on ensuring that the 118 council members shine in their legislative activities and earn the love of citizens. Politicians should not predefine their positions but rather find their paths according to the situation. If other political roles are offered after my term as chair, I will consider them, but I cannot specify any particular position at this time."
 
- What message do you want to convey to citizens?
 
"Given the high level of distrust in politics, many citizens question the necessity of city council members and the council itself. This indicates that the political sphere has failed to earn their trust. I will approach citizens first so they can feel, 'This is why the Seoul City Council is necessary.' I aim to create a council that stands as a strong support for citizens in their times of need."