With the June 3 local elections approaching, Yeosu’s streets are beginning to shift. Campaign offices are opening, and an increasing number of prospective candidates are greeting commuters during the morning rush as the campaign season gains momentum.
Among them is 62-year-old Kim Ji-seon, a preliminary candidate for the Yeosu City Council, who says she will bring her administrative experience to local government.
Kim graduated from Chonnam National University’s College of Law and entered public service after passing the Grade‑7 civil service exam. She served at Yeosu City Hall and rose to director of the Administrative Support Bureau, a senior post that oversees personnel, organization, and finance and plays a central role in city management.
While in office, she researched administrative law and earned a Ph.D. in law. She has also lectured at the university level. Colleagues describe her as an administrator who combines extensive public-sector experience with academic research.
Asked why someone with a long administrative career would run for a local council seat, Kim replied, “A city councilor’s role is to serve citizens, not to hold a title.”
“I observed closely how local policies are developed and implemented in the field,” she added. “I want to use that experience to solve practical problems that affect people’s daily lives.”
Kim emphasized that Yeosu’s political leadership needs to respond more proactively to local challenges. She said administrators and elected officials must collaborate to find solutions for core issues such as the Yeosu National Industrial Complex, the regional economy, and tourism.
She identified industrial competitiveness and job creation as top priorities.
“At the heart of any local economy are good jobs,” Kim said. “The Yeosu National Industrial Complex must serve as a foundation for the regional economy and youth employment. The city council should provide policy support and play its role.”
She also stressed the importance of addressing everyday, community-level concerns. Her main local pledges include resolving parking around the Ssangbong-dong community center, dredging the sea in front of Seonso, repurposing vacant houses in rural areas to boost tourism, and expanding lifelong learning programs for seniors.
On repurposing vacant rural houses, she said, “If neglected empty houses are transformed into resources linked to local tourism, they can support the regional economy. Policy approaches should leverage local strengths.”
Born in Hwayang‑myeon and a long-time resident of Ssangbong‑dong, Kim said she intends to use her local roots and administrative background to address issues that directly affect residents. “I will focus on practical, everyday politics,” she said.
