A 'Professional Administrator' with Experience in Both Central and Local Government

“Administration allows no time for practice. Only the prepared should become mayor.” Candidate Lim Su-bok is confident that he is such a prepared person. He points out that some mayors make frequent mistakes due to administrative inexperience in their early terms, which occurs because they were not adequately prepared. Moreover, he notes that such mistakes directly affect citizens, making careful attention necessary in mayoral elections. Candidate Lim introduces himself as an ‘administration expert.’ He explains that to restore the pride of Suwon, a city overshadowed by the capital, one must prepare ahead of others for metropolitan governance.

He regards his experience in metropolitan local government, gained while serving as acting governor of Gyeonggi Province, as a unique strength incomparable to anyone else’s. While this may seem like overconfidence, his impressive career naturally warrants agreement.

His greatest strength lies in his broad network and administrative experience spanning both central and local government. He highlights his on-site experience and planning capabilities gained at the Ministry of Interior, the Blue House, and Gyeonggi Province Government as his maximum strengths. Experts note that his experience and ability are particularly necessary as Suwon faces its path toward ‘becoming a metropolitan city.’ He states that administrative integration, Suwon Airport, inner-city development, and greenbelt zone deregulation—issues that local governments alone cannot resolve—can be solved through close cooperation with the central government. He also expresses confidence here, saying these are “problems only I can solve.”

He also discussed his motivation for entering public service. Having dreamed of becoming a professor of public administration during his school years, he began his civil service career to support his family after his mother’s sudden death. Throughout his public career, his ‘passion for study,’ never setting down his pen, remains impressive.

He also expressed gratitude toward his wife, who has always supported him selflessly. While he had less time with her due to serving as a local administrator in various regions, she has consistently maintained dignity as the wife of a public official, particularly as a mayor and county magistrate’s wife, while always keeping a modest lifestyle. He introduced his wife somewhat bashfully, saying: “Though the wife of a mayor, she is someone who never hired household help even once and devoted her entire life to me and our family.”

He raised sharp criticism regarding current personnel appointments in Suwon. He pointed out that appointments swept up in old school ties from specific high schools have significantly undermined civil servants’ morale, resulting in deteriorating quality of public services.

He also offered pointed criticism on rumors circulating about nomination procedures. Above all, he emphasized that these must be conducted fairly and transparently. Candidate Lim stressed: “We must absolutely eliminate the nomination review process, which has degenerated into enslavement to regional members of the National Assembly,” and “The professionalism and integrity that the current Democratic Party has promised must not remain mere words but be directly practiced.”

Finally, Candidate Lim appealed for support, saying: “I will truly show what I can do for Suwon. With sufficient preparation already in place, I am brimming with confidence more than ever. I trust the citizens’ wise judgment,” and pledged: “I will elevate Suwon to the ranks of world-class cities like London and New York.”