Welcoming Remarks

My fellow citizens of Seoul,

I am Ho Jung Choi, and it is my great pleasure to introduce myself as the Chairperson of the 11th Seoul Metropolitan Council.

As we embark on the second half of our term, we reflect on the past two years where we have seen both the potential for Seoul's rebirth and the layered difficulties in our citizens' lives and looming future crises.

We are committed to running again, and running harder. Guided by common sense and the spirit of the law, we will respond to the wishes of our citizens by fulfilling the original mission of the Council. Our goal is to make tangible progress in local autonomy that citizens can see and enjoy.

Above all, we aim to build a safe foundation for everyday life and create a city where a bright tomorrow awaits future generations. The Seoul Metropolitan Council will be a pillar of hope for you and a shoulder to lean on in your daily struggles. We will extend a friendly hand to the vulnerable and accompany them with sincere hearts.

The right budget, ordinances, and regulations are the sparks for the recovery of people's lives. We will protect citizens from the turbulent waves of high prices, high exchange rates, and high interest rates, ensuring that safety is a natural right for all.

We are living in a time of great transition, where the right answers of the past become the wrong ones. Yet, even if everything changes, the core spirit of politics—to prepare for the happiness of citizens—remains true.

At the forefront of these times, the Seoul Metropolitan Council will redraw the economic, social, and cultural map of Seoul. With the imagination of a new era, we will secure food, jobs, and enjoyment for future generations.

My fellow citizens of Seoul,

I take to heart the harsh truth that without the trust of citizens, we cannot exist. The direction, speed, and execution of the Seoul Metropolitan Council are all aimed towards serving the citizens. We will always be with you. We will always stand by your side.

Thank you.