Gwangju Special City Strengthens Communication and Unity Through Monthly 'Empathy Talk Talk' Events, Rotating Among Three Offices

【Financial News | Jeonnam-Gwangju = Hwang Tae-jong, reporter】“A new beginning! Together, we can go farther.”
 The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City (Gwangju Special City) is drawing attention for holding a monthly 'Empathy Talk Talk' event in rotation at its three offices to help employees understand different organizational cultures and share work experience following the administrative merger, fostering communication among employees and organizational unity.
 According to Gwangju Special City, the 'November Empathy Talk Talk with Employees' event was held at the Muan office on the 5th, attended by Special City Mayor Min Hyeong-bae, the deputy mayor, bureau and department heads, and employees.
 Gwangju Special City previously held 'Empathy Talk Talk' at the Gwangju office in September and at the Eastern office in October. Each event was livestreamed to all three offices.
 The 'Empathy Talk Talk' event held at the Muan office that day began with a performance by the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Municipal Traditional Korean Music Orchestra, followed by 'Empathy Talk!', a play about integration; 'Staff Talk!', presentations of employees' work cases; and 'Mayor's Talk!', a conversation between the mayor and employees.
 First, 'Empathy Talk!' humorously explored employees' experiences of different work practices and organizational cultures after the merger under the theme, 'We've integrated, but have our hearts been integrated?' It also portrayed a vision of 2030 in which jobs grow as advanced industries such as semiconductors develop, and young people pursue their dreams in their hometowns, expressing the future of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City. Mayor Min Hyeong-bae also took part in the play with employees. 
 Next, 'Staff Talk!' featured work experiences gained in the field, including cooperation with businesses and identifying projects for government funding through communication and persuasion with the central government. Kwak Bu-yeong, director of the Industrial Policy and Shipbuilding Division, shared the experience and results of resolving business challenges and building a framework for cooperation through work as a 'Hyundai Samho liaison.' Moon Mi-ran, vice county governor of Gokseong, outlined efforts to identify projects using local resources and consult with and persuade the central government, focusing on the case for advancing the National Dadohae Forest Therapy Center and preparations to host the 2031 Gokseong International Garden Expo.
 Finally, in 'Mayor's Talk!', Mayor Min spoke openly with employees, exchanging views on the direction of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City and the role of public officials.
 Mayor Min said, “Thank you for your hard work responding to various issues since the merger, including organizational restructuring, administrative audits, and budget preparation,” and stressed, “I will actively support you as you boldly take on new tasks and fully demonstrate your individual capabilities.”
 Gwangju Special City plans to continue running this communication program, rotating 'Empathy Talk Talk' among the Gwangju, Eastern, and Muan offices to share employees' work experiences and best practices.

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