"Gangnam's future is not bright if it remains stagnant."
Kim Hyun-ki, the chief of Gangnam District, outlined his vision for the future of the area during an interview on the 100th day of his tenure on October 8. He identified reconstruction, the AI and robotics industry, and K-content as the three pillars that will drive Gangnam's future. He noted that after half a century of development, it is time to create a new residential environment and growth momentum. Having previously served as the chair of the Seoul City Council, he expressed confidence in leveraging his experience to enhance district administration.
- What do you consider your greatest strength after transitioning from the City Council to the Gangnam District Chief?
"My experience as City Council chair allowed me to work closely with the mayor, giving me insight into how Seoul's governance operates. Now, as a district chief, I understand how local administration functions. This experience is beneficial when negotiating with the city. I collaborate with relevant departments and engage directly with related agencies to address necessary issues."
"My experience as City Council chair allowed me to work closely with the mayor, giving me insight into how Seoul's governance operates. Now, as a district chief, I understand how local administration functions. This experience is beneficial when negotiating with the city. I collaborate with relevant departments and engage directly with related agencies to address necessary issues."
- Are you considering a larger political role, such as mayor of Seoul?
"Am I suited to be mayor? I understand Seoul's governance and local administration. However, becoming mayor is not solely about capability. It is premature to discuss future ambitions so soon into my term. I am prepared to return to my previous role at any time. I have no particular ambitions, but I do have goals."
"Am I suited to be mayor? I understand Seoul's governance and local administration. However, becoming mayor is not solely about capability. It is premature to discuss future ambitions so soon into my term. I am prepared to return to my previous role at any time. I have no particular ambitions, but I do have goals."
- Despite your strong political presence, you emphasize the importance of nurturing your team.
"Public service organizations differ from corporate structures. Administrative organizations should not be approached in the same way. If morale drops and efficiency declines, it is the citizens and residents who suffer. It is essential to lead by nurturing team members. Some areas require gradual change rather than abrupt overhauls."
"Public service organizations differ from corporate structures. Administrative organizations should not be approached in the same way. If morale drops and efficiency declines, it is the citizens and residents who suffer. It is essential to lead by nurturing team members. Some areas require gradual change rather than abrupt overhauls."
- Why have you prioritized reconstruction since taking office?
"There is a significant urgency among residents. I frequently hear, 'When will reconstruction happen?' This year marks the 51st anniversary of Gangnam's establishment. The urban infrastructure and residential environment have aged accordingly. We need to improve old housing, transportation, parks, and living infrastructure. The administration must respond to these changes."
"There is a significant urgency among residents. I frequently hear, 'When will reconstruction happen?' This year marks the 51st anniversary of Gangnam's establishment. The urban infrastructure and residential environment have aged accordingly. We need to improve old housing, transportation, parks, and living infrastructure. The administration must respond to these changes."
- What distinguishes the 'Gangnam Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force' that you lead?
"We are shifting from a waiting administration to a proactive one. Instead of waiting for associations to apply for permits and then addressing issues, we aim to identify and reduce obstacles before projects stall. I personally lead this initiative. Every morning, I check the progress and delays of each project with the deputy chief and relevant department heads. I have a management board in my office tracking the status of 103 redevelopment projects. If city negotiations are needed, I take the lead."
"We are shifting from a waiting administration to a proactive one. Instead of waiting for associations to apply for permits and then addressing issues, we aim to identify and reduce obstacles before projects stall. I personally lead this initiative. Every morning, I check the progress and delays of each project with the deputy chief and relevant department heads. I have a management board in my office tracking the status of 103 redevelopment projects. If city negotiations are needed, I take the lead."
- What is the current status of the Apgujeong reconstruction?
"Among the six zones, zones 2 to 5 have selected construction companies. The fastest, zone 2, received conditional approval from the city in July and is proceeding with subsequent steps for project approval. Zones 3 and 5 have also submitted for integrated review. Zone 4 has signed a contract with a builder and is preparing for integrated review. Zones 1 and 6 are in the early stages, with discussions ongoing among residents in zone 1 and a proposal for a redevelopment plan submitted for part of zone 6."
"Among the six zones, zones 2 to 5 have selected construction companies. The fastest, zone 2, received conditional approval from the city in July and is proceeding with subsequent steps for project approval. Zones 3 and 5 have also submitted for integrated review. Zone 4 has signed a contract with a builder and is preparing for integrated review. Zones 1 and 6 are in the early stages, with discussions ongoing among residents in zone 1 and a proposal for a redevelopment plan submitted for part of zone 6."
- What do you see as the main reasons for the prolonged delays in Apgujeong reconstruction?
"The complex administrative procedures and resident conflicts are key issues. Apgujeong is large and located by the Han River, requiring comprehensive reviews of urban planning, transportation, environment, and infrastructure. If one step in the review and approval process is delayed, subsequent steps are also affected. Conflicts among residents can arise when individual complexes are grouped into a single zone. The administration must accurately identify and support the unique challenges of each zone."
"The complex administrative procedures and resident conflicts are key issues. Apgujeong is large and located by the Han River, requiring comprehensive reviews of urban planning, transportation, environment, and infrastructure. If one step in the review and approval process is delayed, subsequent steps are also affected. Conflicts among residents can arise when individual complexes are grouped into a single zone. The administration must accurately identify and support the unique challenges of each zone."
- Resolving reconstruction conflicts requires more than just speeding up administrative processes.
"Conflicts are not inherently negative. By identifying their causes and proposing solutions, we can turn them into opportunities for organizational and project development. However, reconstruction involves property rights, making interests highly sensitive. We have formed a rapid response expert support team of 41 members, including lawyers, legal advisors, architects, appraisers, and conflict management specialists. They provide on-site consultations and mediation. We also mediated a conflict over the interpretation of an agreement between the association and a commercial entity in the Daechi-dong area."
"Conflicts are not inherently negative. By identifying their causes and proposing solutions, we can turn them into opportunities for organizational and project development. However, reconstruction involves property rights, making interests highly sensitive. We have formed a rapid response expert support team of 41 members, including lawyers, legal advisors, architects, appraisers, and conflict management specialists. They provide on-site consultations and mediation. We also mediated a conflict over the interpretation of an agreement between the association and a commercial entity in the Daechi-dong area."
- Complaints have been raised regarding the operation of the Apgujeong 3 zone association. What is the district's role?
"If there are issues, I have guided residents to file complaints with Gangnam District and relevant agencies. These agencies must assess the situation and address any problems. We will not ignore such issues. It is crucial for association leaders to understand the regulations accurately. I have advised them to consult with the district or city in writing on matters that are difficult to judge based on past experiences to minimize potential problems."
"If there are issues, I have guided residents to file complaints with Gangnam District and relevant agencies. These agencies must assess the situation and address any problems. We will not ignore such issues. It is crucial for association leaders to understand the regulations accurately. I have advised them to consult with the district or city in writing on matters that are difficult to judge based on past experiences to minimize potential problems."
- There has been resident pushback against plans for public access to the Han River through the complex.
"Initially, there was opposition to the idea of creating a central pathway in Apgujeong 3 that would allow citizens easy access to the Han River. Residents may think, 'Why should outsiders have a path through our land?' However, this does not mean the entire apartment complex will be open. It is about creating a route for citizens to reach the river. Without such connections, they would have to take a longer route. We are working to explain the intent of the plan to foster understanding, which will also be considered during the integrated review process."
"Initially, there was opposition to the idea of creating a central pathway in Apgujeong 3 that would allow citizens easy access to the Han River. Residents may think, 'Why should outsiders have a path through our land?' However, this does not mean the entire apartment complex will be open. It is about creating a route for citizens to reach the river. Without such connections, they would have to take a longer route. We are working to explain the intent of the plan to foster understanding, which will also be considered during the integrated review process."
- What do you mean by viewing Apgujeong as 'one city'?
"The areas designated for rapid integrated planning, zones 2 to 5, cover a total of 750,000 square meters. We cannot focus solely on individual apartments. We must plan the waterfront spaces, pedestrian pathways, parks, and green areas in an integrated manner. With many new households, we are closely examining whether the existing road system can accommodate the changes in collaboration with the city. We also need to work with educational authorities to reflect changes in student populations and commuting conditions. Improving urban infrastructure must go hand in hand with constructing new homes."
"The areas designated for rapid integrated planning, zones 2 to 5, cover a total of 750,000 square meters. We cannot focus solely on individual apartments. We must plan the waterfront spaces, pedestrian pathways, parks, and green areas in an integrated manner. With many new households, we are closely examining whether the existing road system can accommodate the changes in collaboration with the city. We also need to work with educational authorities to reflect changes in student populations and commuting conditions. Improving urban infrastructure must go hand in hand with constructing new homes."
- How will you manage the landscape along the Han River with the planned high-rise buildings?
"The focus should be on creating an appealing urban landscape rather than just the height of buildings. We need to consider not only the height of individual structures but also the overall skyline created by multiple zones and how it appears from the Han River. It is preferable to have a variety of heights and open spaces that harmonize rather than a uniform height. Buildings should not block the view of the river. We must ensure open spaces between complexes and maintain sightlines so that citizens can enjoy the river."
"The focus should be on creating an appealing urban landscape rather than just the height of buildings. We need to consider not only the height of individual structures but also the overall skyline created by multiple zones and how it appears from the Han River. It is preferable to have a variety of heights and open spaces that harmonize rather than a uniform height. Buildings should not block the view of the river. We must ensure open spaces between complexes and maintain sightlines so that citizens can enjoy the river."
- What future do you envision for Apgujeong after reconstruction?
"It is an upgrade for both housing and the city. Apgujeong's greatest asset is the Han River. World-class cities leverage water as a key asset. Apgujeong can transform into a waterfront city that offers not only housing but also culture, commerce, and leisure. It will become a space where people can walk, enjoy culture, and attract visitors from around the world. Residents want the project to progress quickly and for the administration to operate predictably. We will accelerate the pace while ensuring the quality of the urban environment."
"It is an upgrade for both housing and the city. Apgujeong's greatest asset is the Han River. World-class cities leverage water as a key asset. Apgujeong can transform into a waterfront city that offers not only housing but also culture, commerce, and leisure. It will become a space where people can walk, enjoy culture, and attract visitors from around the world. Residents want the project to progress quickly and for the administration to operate predictably. We will accelerate the pace while ensuring the quality of the urban environment."
- What is your vision for the AI and robotics industry alongside reconstruction?
"We aim to establish Suseo as a hub for South Korea's robotics and AI industry. We are conducting demonstrations and related national projects at the Robot Plus Test Field and promoting the Robotics Development Promotion District, Seoul Robot Tech Center, and Robot Venture Town. Simply gathering companies is not enough to create an industrial ecosystem. We envision a K-Tech Valley where companies developing and testing technologies in Suseo can connect with venture capital and startup ecosystems on Teheran Road to secure investments and expand globally."
"We aim to establish Suseo as a hub for South Korea's robotics and AI industry. We are conducting demonstrations and related national projects at the Robot Plus Test Field and promoting the Robotics Development Promotion District, Seoul Robot Tech Center, and Robot Venture Town. Simply gathering companies is not enough to create an industrial ecosystem. We envision a K-Tech Valley where companies developing and testing technologies in Suseo can connect with venture capital and startup ecosystems on Teheran Road to secure investments and expand globally."
- What message do you want to convey to residents for the next 100 years of Gangnam?
"Gangnam has thrived due to past investments and developments. However, without efforts to renew, it risks stagnation or regression. We must change the residential environment through reconstruction, create growth momentum with AI and robotics, and develop unique K-content. Festivals and performances will be linked to hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions to benefit the local economy. The transformation of Gangnam cannot be achieved by one person alone. Together with the residents, we will open the next 100 years for Gangnam."
"Gangnam has thrived due to past investments and developments. However, without efforts to renew, it risks stagnation or regression. We must change the residential environment through reconstruction, create growth momentum with AI and robotics, and develop unique K-content. Festivals and performances will be linked to hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions to benefit the local economy. The transformation of Gangnam cannot be achieved by one person alone. Together with the residents, we will open the next 100 years for Gangnam."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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