Busan Metropolitan Council marks ‘100 days’ since launch... “We’ll be a council that helps citizens in their daily lives”

[Financial News] The Busan Metropolitan Council held a press conference in its briefing room on the morning of the 8th, marking 100 days since the launch of its 10th council, and announced its key achievements to date and the future direction of its legislative work.
In his opening remarks, Busan Metropolitan Council Chair Kang Mu-gil said, “Thanks to the citizens who have given us such strong support over the past 100 days, we have been able to do our utmost to fulfill our duties.” He added, “Building on the achievements of these 100 days, we will be a council that protects citizens’ lives today and prepares for Busan’s tomorrow.”

Among the key legislative achievements announced that day by Chair Kang were reaching agreement on Busan City’s organizational restructuring plan and the first supplementary budget proposal of the ninth popularly elected administration; laying the groundwork for cooperation, including by holding regular consultations between the ruling and opposition parties; and strengthening checks and oversight, including through a comprehensive overhaul of the personnel vetting system for heads of public institutions. Other achievements included responding swiftly to local issues, such as quickly launching three special committees; legislative efforts to ease the burden on citizens amid high prices and interest rates; the record-high number of 16 research groups; and returning the budget for overseas official trips.
Building on these achievements, the council set out three priorities for the future: “a council that protects citizens’ lives today,” “a council that prepares for Busan’s tomorrow,” and “a council that works well and delivers results.” It also outlined specific plans to put them into action.
To pursue its first priority—a council that protects citizens’ lives today—the council plans to fully launch on-site meetings focused on people’s livelihoods and establish a policy consultation channel with the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry so that voices from the field are reflected in policy. It also plans to hold regular joint meetings of the Busan and South Gyeongsang councils to address water issues directly linked to citizens’ health, and to help develop practical solutions based on mutually beneficial cooperation between Busan and South Gyeongsang.
To realize its next priority—a council that prepares for Busan’s tomorrow—the council plans first and foremost to further strengthen super-regional cooperation among Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang. It will also pursue the creation of a pan-citizen body, bringing together political circles, the business community and civil society, to attract the second round of public institution relocations. The council also decided to marshal its resources to help ensure the Gadeok Island New Airport opens as soon as possible and to attract the headquarters of an integrated low-cost carrier (LCC).
Finally, to become a council that works well and delivers results, the council plans to expand its Legislative Advisory Committee and run it as a think tank, while identifying a range of policy issues through an advisory body directly under the council chair. It aims to gather broad input from citizens and experts on the identified issues through a provisionally titled “Busan Metropolitan Council Policy Forum,” and develop them into concrete policies and institutions.
Chair Kang said, “Busan must now step up its efforts to become a global maritime capital, but if we cannot protect the daily lives of the citizens living here today, even the most dazzling future is nothing more than a mirage. The council will be a strong support for citizens, protecting their lives today and preparing for Busan’s tomorrow.”
[email protected] Byun Ok-hwan Reporter