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On October 2023, I was appointed to Incheon Metropolitan City’s 6th Happiness Policy Advisory Panels for the Citizens (시민행복정책자문단), serving as a Member of the Youth Division (청년분야 위원) to:
- Gather public opinion on regional issues and discover policy ideas;
- Advise on, suggest, and promote city’s major policy directions and implementation measures; and
- Offer consultation on requests made by the Mayor of Incheon.
This honorary, one-year position came as a result of my goal to expand beyond advocating for students within Mason Korea, from my term as its Student Body President in 2023, to youth within Incheon, during which I raised our concerns and needs to city officials including the Mayor.
October 2023
On October 16, 2023, I was invited to the Appointment Ceremony of the Panel. Read more about my appointment and participation in earlier community engagement initiatives here: Moving Towards Community Engagement in 2024.
December 2023
On December 15, 2023, the Youth Division of the Panel was invited to the Incheon Metropolitan Council (인천광역시의회), in which we were able to meet Mr. Heo Sik, Chairperson of the Council (허식 인천광역시의회 의장), and Mr. Han Minsu, Chair of the Council Steering Committee (한민수 의회운영위원장).
During the one-day excursion, members were able to gain insight on the legislative processes that take place in the Council in addition to the importance of youth-related affairs.
April 2024
On April 16, 2024, I participated in a roundtable discussion with other members from the Youth Division of the Panel and city officials to discuss policies pertaining to youth, including those in employment, housing, and transportation, and to also promote Incheon’s bid for hosting the 2025 APEC summit.
September 2024
On September 13, 2024, the Panel’s Youth Division convened once again for a special dinner with the Mayor of Incheon, as our terms were nearing their end, to recap on the activities that the Panel had conducted over the past year.
December 2024
On December 24, 2024, I was invited to a special roundtable discussion and dinner with the Mayor of Incheon and Chairs of the previous and current Panels, in which I represented the 6th Happiness Policy Advisory Panel, to discuss Incheon’s growth and achievements amid Korea’s political circumstances.
Political participation—especially at this level—is indeed a rare opportunity for youth like me, and I thank the Mayor of Incheon and city officials for providing the chance for college students to have an active voice in policy development. This past year has been filled with new connections, many of which have allowed me to gain a wider understanding of municipal governance and the needs of Incheon.
20231016_인천광역시 시민행복정책자문단 위촉장.pdf