Yongin Mayor Lee Sang-il's Heartfelt Mentoring Session with Young Leaders - 'Create More Kairos Moments in Life'

Mayor Lee Sang-il's Philosophy: The Power of Kairos Time

On June 14th, Yongin Special City Mayor Lee Sang-il delivered a profound message to young leaders at the Yongin Forest Education Center. During the 5th Yongin Youth Policy Network Workshop, he introduced the concept of 'Kairos time' - moments that hold deep personal meaning beyond mere chronological time. This philosophical approach to life resonated deeply with the young participants who gathered to seek guidance from their experienced leader.

Mayor Lee explained the difference between Chronos time (physical, absolute time) and Kairos time (meaningful, qualitative moments). He encouraged the youth to actively create more Kairos moments in their lives, suggesting this would lead to a richer, more fulfilling existence. This wisdom reflects a growing trend in Korean society where work-life balance and meaningful experiences are increasingly valued by younger generations.

The mayor's reference to the Latin phrase 'Carpe Diem' (seize the day) and the movie 'Dead Poets Society' struck a chord with participants. He quoted poet Robert Herrick's lines about gathering rosebuds while we may, emphasizing the importance of living meaningfully in the present moment. This blend of Eastern and Western philosophy demonstrates the global mindset that characterizes modern Korean leadership.

Addressing Workplace Relationship Challenges

One of the most relatable topics discussed was workplace relationships and social dynamics. A young professional shared their struggles with building connections with colleagues, a common concern among Korea's younger workforce. Mayor Lee's response was both practical and philosophical, drawing from Martin Buber's concept of 'I and Thou' relationships.

The mayor emphasized that while people have different personalities and may not always get along perfectly, we cannot live in isolation, especially in organizational settings. He warned against possessive relationships ('my you' instead of 'I and thou'), explaining that such attitudes prevent healthy community building. This advice is particularly relevant in Korea's hierarchical workplace culture, where younger employees often struggle to find their voice.

Korean online communities have been buzzing about this approach to workplace harmony. Many young professionals on platforms like Blind and JobPlanet have shared similar experiences, with some commenting that traditional Korean workplace culture is slowly evolving to accommodate more egalitarian relationships. The mayor's advice reflects this cultural shift toward more balanced professional relationships.

Leadership Wisdom for Young Entrepreneurs

When addressing a young entrepreneur's concerns about organizational management and leadership roles, Mayor Lee provided insights that reflect both traditional Korean values and modern leadership principles. He emphasized the importance of 'responsibility ethics' as a core leadership quality, stressing that good leaders must lead by example and make courageous decisions for their organizations.

The concept of 'solseonsubeum' (leading by example) is deeply rooted in Korean culture, stemming from Confucian ideals of moral leadership. However, Mayor Lee's interpretation includes modern elements like decisive action and courage in the face of difficult choices. This blend of traditional and contemporary leadership philosophy resonates with young Korean entrepreneurs who must navigate both cultural expectations and global business practices.

Korean startup communities have been particularly interested in this leadership advice. Online forums like Startup Alliance and various entrepreneurship blogs have discussed how traditional Korean leadership values can be adapted for modern business environments. Many young entrepreneurs struggle with balancing respect for hierarchy with the need for innovation and quick decision-making.

The 'Both/And' Approach to Business Decisions

One of the most innovative pieces of advice came when discussing business expansion strategies. Instead of the traditional 'either/or' approach to decision-making, Mayor Lee introduced the concept of 'both/and' thinking. He suggested that entrepreneurs could pursue stable expansion of existing businesses while simultaneously exploring new ventures through careful capital portfolio management.

This approach reflects the changing mindset in Korean business culture, where risk-taking and diversification are becoming more accepted. Traditionally, Korean business culture favored conservative, step-by-step growth, but younger entrepreneurs are increasingly embracing more dynamic strategies. The mayor's advice bridges this generational gap by acknowledging both approaches as valid.

Korean business blogs and financial forums have been discussing this 'both/and' philosophy extensively. Many see it as a reflection of how Korean business thinking is evolving to incorporate more flexible, creative approaches to growth and risk management. This resonates particularly well with the 'flexible work' movement that has gained momentum among Korean millennials and Gen Z.

The Privilege of Youth: Embracing Failure as Learning

Mayor Lee's most inspiring message focused on the unique advantages of being young. He highlighted three key privileges of youth: the ability to take on unlimited challenges, the opportunity to try again after failure, and the capacity to learn from mistakes and achieve success through perseverance. This message particularly resonated in Korea's highly competitive society, where failure is often stigmatized.

The mayor's emphasis on viewing failure as a learning opportunity represents a significant shift in Korean cultural attitudes. Traditionally, Korean society has been quite harsh on failure, but younger generations are increasingly adopting more resilient mindsets. This change is reflected in the growing popularity of entrepreneurship and creative careers among Korean youth.

Korean online communities, particularly on platforms like Naver Cafe and various university forums, have been sharing and discussing these encouraging words. Many young people have expressed feeling motivated by the mayor's perspective on failure and second chances. This represents a broader cultural shift toward embracing risk-taking and learning from setbacks.

Community Response and Cultural Impact

The workshop has generated significant positive response across Korean social media and online communities. On platforms like TheQoo and Nate Pann, users have praised Mayor Lee's approachable leadership style and practical wisdom. Many comments highlight how refreshing it is to see a political leader engaging directly with young people on personal and professional challenges.

Korean blogs focusing on career development and personal growth have been sharing excerpts from the mayor's advice, particularly his insights about Kairos time and workplace relationships. The philosophical depth of his guidance has impressed many, with some comparing it to the wisdom traditionally expected from senior mentors in Korean society.

The event reflects a broader trend in Korean local government toward more direct engagement with younger constituents. As Korea's demographic shifts toward an aging society, local leaders are increasingly recognizing the importance of supporting and retaining young talent in their communities.

Looking Forward: Youth Policy Network's Future Plans

The Yongin Youth Policy Network, led by Chairman Son Hyun-soo, expressed deep appreciation for the mentoring session. The organization plans to continue contributing to city administration with renewed unity and purpose. This commitment reflects the growing role of youth voices in Korean local governance.

Yongin Special City has announced plans to support the 5th Youth Policy Network through additional programs, including a Youth Policy Academy and Youth Policy Proposal Contest starting June 19th. These initiatives demonstrate the city's commitment to youth engagement and policy innovation.

The success of this mentoring program may serve as a model for other Korean cities looking to engage their young populations more effectively. As Korea faces challenges related to youth employment, population decline in smaller cities, and generational gaps, initiatives like this workshop represent important steps toward building stronger connections between local government and young citizens.