Local self-governing bodies in South Korea have contributed to building roots of democracy. Local residents chose their own representatives for governors and council members by voting and they functioned as regional governments. The important role of local self-governing system is expected to increase more than ever in the year 2020 as some governors are showing outstanding leadership. In the same respect, it is encouraging that the Local Administration News is to reopen in 10 years after the halt in 2010.

“Local self-governing bodies in earlier stage had poor financial independence. Also, some governors and council members were criticized for corruption and their qualification came into question. So it must be the role of the Local Administration News to watch local self-governing bodies and to contribute to keeping integrity” emphasizes Chajeon Kim, the publisher of the Local Administration News.

Kim advises that the members of the local councils should build standards for balanced development in terms of policies, economy, education and culture with the socially vulnerable such as elderly, disabled and unemployed as priority. He also points out the importance of building policies in long term perspective as development is normally made gradually. He adds that the Local Administration News will not only play watchdog but at the same time an advisor and an encourager of local economy and culture. Kim served as publisher of the Youth Times, publisher of the Naval Comrades Times, chief editor of the Daehan Hwabo, chief editor of the Sanrim Hwangyeong and executive editor of the Hankook News.