[Interview] Kim Tae-su, chair of Seoul Metropolitan Council's Housing and Space Committee

"I have run without rest, driven by the desire to build a better tomorrow for Jangwi-dong and Seokgwan-dong. I hope the changes we made together with residents will serve as the foundation for the area's growth."

Kim Tae-su, chair of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Housing and Space Committee and a People Power Party member representing Seongbuk District 4, offered these reflections as he wrapped up four years of legislative work. As chair of the committee during the second half of the 11th council term, Kim focused his efforts on improving residential conditions, expanding urban infrastructure and upgrading educational facilities in Jangwi-dong and Seokgwan-dong.

Kim said his guiding values throughout his tenure were "elevating the northeastern Seoul area into a central city" and "lifestyle politics built on communication." He said he prioritized creating changes that residents could feel in their daily lives over lofty slogans.

According to legislative activity records he provided, the total budget secured over the past four years for Seoul Metropolitan Government investment projects and Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education facility projects reached 727.4 billion won ($471 million). Of that, 589.4 billion won was allocated across 543 Seoul city investment projects, while 138 billion won went to 745 education office facility projects.

Of the total, 57.5 billion won in Seoul city budget was directed toward development in Jangwi 1, 2 and 3-dong and Seokgwan-dong. Key projects include structural improvements to Wolgyero near the northern Seoul Dream Forest and the creation of a park above it, installation of an escalator at exit 5 of Seokgye Station, ecological restoration and greening of the Uicheon stream, construction of an urban wind-corridor forest, and sewer pipe maintenance in Jangwi subzone 4.

Kim put particular effort into normalizing the Jangwi New Town redevelopment project and charting a development direction for zones removed from the plan. He worked continuously with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and relevant agencies, conveying residents' views to help the redevelopment of Jangwi zones 3, 8, 9, 13 and 14 proceed smoothly.

Development of the Imun vehicle depot site was another major priority. Kim said the site should be developed not merely as a relocated depot but as a "Shin-Imun Innovation Hub" integrating residential, industrial and cultural functions — a new growth engine for northeastern Seoul.

Kim also pushed to expand lifestyle and cultural infrastructure. He supported the construction of a multipurpose cultural center in Jangwi-dong, the development of sports facilities near Seokgye Station, the Jangwi Buma Festival and a nighttime cultural festival along Seokgye's food and culture street, and environmental improvements at Jangwi Traditional Market — all aimed at enriching residents' daily lives and revitalizing the local commercial district.

The 23.5 billion won in Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education budget earmarked for educational environment improvements covered a range of school facility upgrades: a swimming pool renovation at Jangwi Elementary School, restroom improvements at the main building of Jangwol Elementary School, an eco-friendly playground at Seokgwan Elementary School, electrical distribution facility upgrades at Jangwi Middle School, electronic whiteboard replacements at Namdaemun Middle School, and playground and sanitation facility improvements at Seokgwan High School.

"I have worked hard to improve school facilities so children can study in a safe and comfortable environment," Kim said. "I believe improving the educational environment is an investment in the future of the community."

His legislative work also drew external recognition. Kim received a presidential commendation in February — awarded in the president's capacity as chair of the National Unification Advisory Council — and was named an outstanding member for administrative audit performance in both 2022 and 2023. He also received the top prize at the Local Assembly Members' Manifesto Promise Awards in both 2024 and 2025.

Kim said the achievements of the past four years were the result of collective effort by residents, civil servants, school officials and fellow council members.

"Residents' voices were always the starting point of my legislative work," he said. "My commitment to the area's development will never waver." He added that the past four years had been a precious time confirming the potential of Seongbuk alongside its residents, and that he would continue to cheer on Jangwi-dong and Seokgwan-dong as they grow into the central city of northeastern Seoul.