Kim Sang-hoe "Will Do My Best to Realize Free Elementary School Meals"

Following the June 2 local elections, we heard the election victory sentiments and future legislative plans from members-elect to the Gyeonggi Province Assembly representing Suwon. In the second interview, Kim Sang-hoe (48, pictured), elected from Suwon District 3 (Seryuu 1, 2, 3-dong, Gwonseon 1, 2-dong, Gokson 2-dong), expressed his commitment to becoming a "Happy Kim Sang-hoe" who doesn't lose sight of his original intentions for residents' happiness.

▲ The election period was short but also long in its own way. Running with a passion and determination rooted in civic organization activities to change society and Gyeonggi Province, I spent each day with the citizens holding to what I believed was right, and this resulted in the small achievement of being "elected." But how could this have been possible by my efforts alone?

The true winners of this election are the citizens of Gyeonggi Province and Suwon, and indeed the residents of this nation who wish to rebuild Korea, which has been heading in the wrong direction. The accumulation of will from each and every precious citizen—attempting to correct the receding democracy, inter-Korean relations, and economic problems—made this achievement possible. I believe I was chosen as their representative to properly implement these results in the Gyeonggi Province Assembly.

- What are your ambitions for future legislative activities?

▲ Transcending political divisions, I will meet with senior and junior colleagues from the district and all residents with an attitude of reconciliation, and conduct legislative activities. In particular, I will do my utmost to realize the core pledge of free school meals. Through years of experience serving on elementary school operating committees, I have researched elementary school educational budgets and have shared the hardships faced in the field. Therefore, I understand well the desires of parents for free school meals.

To achieve this core pledge, my primary goal is to conduct legislative activities with policy alternatives. As a provincial assembly member, I will empathize with residents' pain, consider solutions, and actively reflect these in my legislative work. Through this, I hope to be remembered as a member of the assembly who stands with residents.

- Is there any area in provincial administration that you wish to correct?

▲ Governor Kim Moon-soo, who says he will humbly accept the results and accommodate the people's will while remaining unchanged in pushing forward the Four Major Rivers and GTX projects, must face reality. I believe the pledges put forward by Governor Kim in the last election were either comprehensive or lacked specificity and justification. Even the heads of local governments in the Seoul metropolitan area do not support the GTX project. It seems to be an action that deviates from common sense.

Governor Kim claims to pursue pro-ordinary citizen policies, but I believe the policy direction itself is contradictory. Rather than the GTX project, the governor should have grasped the essence of ordinary citizen policies, such as expanding bus routes. Additionally, I will clearly raise the issue that more than 200 special contract employees have been hired since Governor Kim took office. Furthermore, I am also willing to request a debate with Governor Kim if the opportunity arises.

- If there is someone you are most grateful to during this election campaign period?

▲ For the first time, I participated in the "election" festival. I believe victory was possible because of the many acquaintances and campaign workers who helped me during this election. Although this was my first election, the campaign workers and volunteers who stood with me from early dawn until late at night, maintaining smiles despite physical exhaustion with the will to succeed, are people I will never forget—truly precious and for whom I am deeply grateful.

- Finally, a word to residents of the district?

▲ I will never forget your expectations. Please watch my performance over the next four years. When I fall short or make mistakes, I ask for your criticism and encouragement to help me act rightly. "Happy Kim Sang-hoe"—I will work hard to create a truly happy society. I sincerely thank everyone for your support.