A ceremony to mark the opening of `Gwanghwamun 1st Street` is held at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu District, Seoul, on May 25. Kim Jin-pyo (right), chairman of the presidential advisory commission on planning state affairs, walks through the gate inscribed with `A gate that is a communications channel` alongside Ha Seung-chang (left), senior presidential secretary for social innovation, and Hong Seo-yun who will serve as a communications advisor.

By Yoon Sojung

Photos: Presidential advisory commission on planning state affairs 

"Gwanghwamun 1st Street." 

This is the name for a new communication channel, both on- and offline, for those who raise their voice concerning new policy proposals. 

Through this, any citizen can express their opinion and communicate directly with the president. 

Such communications are one of the main programs of the people’s transition committee. 

The opening ceremony for the offline channel for new policy proposals, the “Ganghwamun 1st Street Open Square," took place along Sejongno in Jongno-gu District, Seoul, on May 25.

During the ceremony, Kim Jin-pyo, chairman of the presidential advisory commission on planning state affairs, said, “Gwanghwamun1st Street is both an on- and offline communication channel, to allow us to listen to each person`s voice, reflecting President Moon Jae-in’s hope to become a president for everyone.” 

Chairman Kim said, “The more participation, the better we can make democracy and the market economy, and the easier to forge a community without discrimination.” 

“I hope all of you can become beautiful company for our journey together down the path to make this country a better one,” he said. 

Citizens make policy proposals at a temporary ombudsman booth at `Gwanghwamun 1st Street,` which opened at Gwnaghwamun Square in central Seoul on May 25.

Ha Seung-chang, senior presidential secretary for social innovation, announced the official launch of the committee on May 24, saying that, “This means that every citizen can become a committee member because anyone can make a policy proposal to the new government.”

As to why this new communication channel was opened, the senior presidential secretary said, “President Moon Jae-in proposed the forming of such a committee as a way to guarantee participation from the people and that we would listen to new policy proposals, all within the overall structure of the presidential advisory commission on planning state affairs that will shape the big picture of state affairs over the next five years.” 

“The establishment of this committee reflects President Moon’s faith in the proper management of state affairs, and that he will listen to all voices from all the citizens, without making any omissions, in order to reflect all segments of society in terms of policy directions for the new government,” he said. 

“Gwanghwamun Square is a symbolic place of direct democracy where the people gathered together to raise their candles; people who played a leading role in the change of power,” said Secretary Ha. 

“Here at this spot we will gather opinions from you in various manners, such as the ‘People’s Mic,’ the ‘Open Forum,` and the Bookshelf for the President, Made by the People,`" he added. 

"Gwanghwamun 1st Street" will be opened until July 12 and its online channel will run until July 26. 

A special nationwide channel will be also run from May 29 in order to gather opinions from across the country, in cooperation with local governments. 

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