The inauguration of Kim Hyun-gi as the ninth-term Gangnam-gu district mayor will be held as a no-frills ceremony, trimming excessive protocol and event costs.
Gangnam-gu will hold the inauguration at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the grand hall on the second floor of the Gangnam Community Center.
At Kim's direction, the total budget for the ceremony has been capped at 3.59 million won ($2,320), covering only the minimum costs needed to run the event — including banner production, bottled water and chair rental. The decision to forgo a large-scale event in favor of a modest, substantive ceremony has drawn attention.
Kim's schedule on his first day in office reflects the same philosophy. His official duties will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a street-cleaning session alongside sanitation workers near Gangnam Square and Yeomyeonggil, where he plans to hear directly from workers on the ground. He will then greet employees arriving for work at the district office entrance before beginning his first day of business.
The ceremony will bring together not only National Assembly members, Seoul Metropolitan Council members, Gangnam-gu council members, heads of affiliated agencies and civic organizations, but also residents who have quietly served their communities — including elderly people living alone, people with disabilities, multicultural families, youth, sanitation workers, model drivers and volunteers. The guest list reflects Kim's intention to place socially vulnerable groups and community members at the center of the event.
The program will open with a string quintet performance by the Gangnam Symphony Orchestra, followed by a congratulatory message from the president, video messages from the Seoul mayor and sister cities at home and abroad, a video tribute from residents, congratulatory remarks from local Assembly members, the oath of office and inaugural address, and a community choir performance.
In his inaugural address, Kim is expected to lay out his "Great Gangnam Transformation" vision and announce eight core policy directions: fast-tracking reconstruction projects, easing the tax burden, building a seamless traffic system, developing an education and environment-friendly city with future generations, pursuing the safest city and quality-of-life-centered development, establishing a K-Tech Valley, building a lifelong welfare system, and creating a culture and health city accessible within 10 minutes.
"I will turn residents' voices into policy and prove my ninth-term campaign pledges through action," Kim said. "I will make the Great Gangnam Transformation happen — energizing Gangnam and exciting its residents — to build a Gangnam that belongs not just to South Korea, but to the world."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
