Gwanak-gu Launches 9th Elected-Term Administration Under 'Innovation, Youth and Healing' Banner

Gwanak-gu officially launched its 9th elected-term administration Wednesday, setting out to fulfill the values of "innovation, youth and healing" that guided the district through its 7th and 8th terms and to usher in what officials described as a great leap forward for the district.

District Mayor Park Jun-hee marked the first day of the new term by signing "A Mid- to Long-term Development Plan for Completing the Healing Garden City" as his first official act, signaling a firm commitment to building a sustainable green city for both current and future generations. "We will expand green infrastructure within residential areas so that every resident can enjoy nature, culture and leisure close to home, completing a healing garden city," Park said.

His first official outing focused on resident safety. Park visited two water parks — one at Byeolbit Naerincheong stream and another at Gwanaksan Park — ahead of their opening, conducting thorough inspections of facilities to prevent accidents.

The main inauguration ceremony opened with the national anthem performed by soprano Kang Yu-gyeong, a visually impaired vocalist. The event drew warm encouragement from more than 1,000 residents, along with National Assembly members, Seoul city and district council members, and senior officials from affiliated organizations, all gathered to celebrate the start of the new term.

Park, who won a third consecutive term leading Gwanak-gu, said in his inaugural address that he felt "overwhelming gratitude and a heavy sense of responsibility." He added that becoming the district's first three-term mayor, made possible by its 500,000 residents, was "a solemn mandate to press forward toward an even greater future for Gwanak."

The ceremony was designed as a community-centered event that gave voice to residents and figures from all walks of life. The highlight was a "residents' message presentation" in which three residents, each representing one of the new term's three core campaign pledges, delivered their proposals directly to the district mayor.

Representing the "Healing Garden City" pledge was Bae Jeong-ung, chairman of the Korea Senior Citizens Association's Gwanak-gu chapter. Representing the "Youth-Friendly City" pledge was Lee Tae-jun, vice chairman of the Gwanak Youth Network. Representing the "Innovation Economy City" pledge was Oh Ji-yeon, chief executive of Gravy Lab, a company based at Gwanak S-Valley. Each read out a vision proposal and conveyed words of congratulation and encouragement to Park.

The ceremony also featured a congratulatory message from President Lee Jae Myung, as well as a video in which residents of all ages — from children to the elderly — shared their hopes for the district mayor in the new term, capturing the community's desire for uninterrupted progress in Gwanak.

Park responded by outlining six strategic priorities to drive the district's advancement: an "inclusive economy" in which Gwanak S-Valley 3.0 grows alongside neighborhood commercial districts and small business owners; an "inclusive welfare society" that ensures happiness for children, the elderly and people with disabilities; establishing Gwanak as "South Korea's youth capital and youth special city" brimming with youthful energy; building the nation's top "education and culture" environment; developing a green and safe "healing garden city"; and creating an "AI Innovation Gwanak Office" centered on residents through a smart-city foundation.

"As Gwanak's dedicated public servant, I will never lose sight of my original commitment and will put residents' lives first," Park said. He added that "since happiness is the most important value in life, I will work with greater humility, closer to residents and with greater dedication so that the daily lives of our 500,000 residents become three times happier."