Jang Hyun-hee, Yeonsu District Councillor: "Delay in Establishing the Songdo Policy Advisory Group Ordinance... Administrative Irresponsibility"

Jang Hyun-hee, a member of the Yeonsu District Council (Independent, Okryeon 1, Dongchun 1, Dongchun 2), focused on the institutional deficiencies in the operation of the Songdo Policy Advisory Group, youth housing and job policies, the establishment of the Seonhak-dong public office, and the overall Seunggi Stream rest area project during the major business report of the Planning and Welfare Committee held on February 2 at the 277th Yeonsu District Council temporary session.

Councillor Jang first pointed out, "Despite requesting the establishment of an ordinance during the 2025 administrative audit for the Songdo Policy Advisory Group, which has been operating without an ordinance, there has been no concrete progress so far." He continued, "If there are plans for continued operation, a legal basis must be established first, but currently, only internal reviews are being repeated," and added, "The lack of sharing with the council is also a problem."

In response, the head of the Songdo Administrative Department stated, "We are currently in the internal review stage and plan to determine the direction within the first quarter," and added, "Discussions with the Planning and Budget Office will take place after the first quarter." Regarding the operation of the advisory group, he clarified, "Currently, it is not in operation."

Councillor Jang also pointed out the poor performance of job policies. He said, "184 people participated in the employment linkage program, but the actual number of employed individuals is less than 30," and emphasized, "It is necessary to check whether sufficient counselling and linkage are being carried out." In response, the head of the Job Policy Department explained, "It is difficult to compile employment statistics for participants from specialised high schools, which has resulted in low figures."

Regarding job creation in the Songdo bio-industry, he stated, "It is important to establish practical local job linkages that include not only large companies but also middle-aged and older individuals," and called for more proactive administration.

On the youth rent support program, he stressed the need for system improvements. Councillor Jang noted, "Last year, over 4,700 cases were supported, but the number of those who were rejected and the rejection rate are not clearly understood," and pointed out, "There are many voices in the field saying that the support criteria are excessively strict." The head of the Job Policy Department stated, "We have submitted a request for guideline revisions to the city to relax the criteria."

Regarding the establishment of the Seonhak-dong public office and Silver Care Centre, he addressed delays due to cultural heritage investigations and traffic issues. Councillor Jang emphasized, "Even though public facilities such as the Administrative Welfare Centre and Silver Care Centre are concentrated, the road is a one-way single lane," and insisted, "Road expansion must precede the commencement of construction." The head of the Vision Strategy Office responded, "Plans for road expansion have been reflected up to the public office site."

Finally, regarding the Seunggi Stream rest area project, he stated, "Given that the total project cost amounts to 7.7 billion won, parking issues and resident inconveniences must be carefully examined," and added, "The usability environment is more important than the establishment of facilities." In response, the head of the Vision Strategy Office stated, "We are considering ways to maintain existing parking spaces by utilising a pilotis structure."

Councillor Jang requested more prompt and transparent administration regarding issues that have been repeatedly raised in the council, urging active follow-up actions from the executive branch.