The 11th Assembly's youngest member reflects on four years of learning and challenge — regrets over Pungnaptoseong, pride in idol trainee protections and athlete support
Kim Gyu-nam, a People Power Party member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council representing Songpa District 1, reflected on the close of his 11th Assembly term with few regrets. "I worked hard for the residents and community of Songpa over the past four years, and I gave everything I had — centered on the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee — so I have no regrets," he said.
Still, he acknowledged a lingering sense of disappointment at leaving the Assembly without fully resolving major local issues, including deregulation around the Pungnaptoseong fortress site and the establishment of a new middle school in the area.
"Elected office is a process of putting down roots in your community, nurturing a tree and ultimately bearing fruit," Kim said. He entered the 11th Seoul Metropolitan Council as its youngest member and spent all four years on the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee.
A large part of that choice came down to the committee's jurisdiction over the city agency responsible for Pungnaptoseong, which sits in his constituency. He also had a longstanding personal interest in culture, the arts and sports — and a particular desire to improve conditions for artists and athletes working in difficult circumstances.
Acting on that commitment, he spearheaded the enactment of an ordinance protecting teenage idol trainees — the first of its kind in the country — and pursued practical solutions to the challenges facing younger generations.
He also played a key role in persuading fellow council members to increase the budget for athlete support, addressing a chronic shortfall in accommodation and meal allowances for competitors active in the field.
Kim recalled those moments as among the most rewarding of his time in office, even if the results were not immediately visible or widely noticed.
Turning to energy research after council tenure
"Being young and a first-term member meant I constantly had to persuade people to get anything done, and that came with its share of difficulties — but the process itself was an invaluable experience," Kim said.
He said he came to feel a deep sense of responsibility upon realizing that ordinances passed by the Seoul Metropolitan Council carry significant influence over local assemblies across the country.
Colleagues who recognized his sincerity rallied behind his work regardless of party affiliation, he said. Assembly members from both parties, along with the council leadership and fellow committee members, provided crucial support in resolving key issues.
After four years that passed quickly, Kim chose not to run in this election cycle. Drawing on his earlier career at Korea Electric Power Corp. and his experience as chair of the council's Special Committee on Energy Strategy, he decided to spend time deepening his expertise in the energy sector for now.
"Stable power supply is at the heart of the AI boom," Kim said. "I intend to focus on learning and research in the energy field, including a doctoral program I began in March."
He closed by expressing respect and gratitude to the colleagues who served alongside him in the 11th Assembly, and said he hopes to find ways to contribute to the country and society going forward.
7toy7@heraldcorp.com
