Lee Yong-chang, 46, chairman of the Incheon Metropolitan Council's Education Committee, always carries a worn notebook in his bag. It is a "complaint ledger" he has maintained by hand since serving as a member of the 7th Seo-gu Council. The notebook, filled with reception dates, processing details, outcomes, and names of officials in charge, chronicles his entire legislative career. One thousand cases during his district council tenure, another thousand as a metropolitan councilman—over more than a decade, he has personally resolved 2,000 citizen complaints.
The notebook may be old, but his politics are not. Born in 1979, Chairman Lee is one of Incheon Metropolitan Council's youngest senior figures, having risen from a district council seat to chair a metropolitan standing committee. A native of Gajwa-dong in Seo-gu, Incheon, he graduated from Incheon Seoknam-seo Elementary School, Jemulpo Middle School, and Gwangseong High School. After completing his military service as a sergeant at the Capital Defense Command, he returned home and entered local politics in his early 30s.
"Promises to Residents Come First"
Chairman Lee's legislative philosophy is straightforward. When it comes to local issues, he spares neither ruling nor opposition parties—not even the mayor. A prime example was his public criticism of the mayor from his own party during a policy questioning session over the Incheon-daero road conversion project and the Sudokwon Landfill closure issue.
"Flawed administration must be pointed out boldly," he said.
His style prioritizes execution over authority and change over convention.
"Children Must Not Be Denied Dreams Due to Financial Circumstances"
Upon assuming the education committee chairmanship in the latter half of the 9th Incheon Metropolitan Council, Chairman Lee's first priority was the education gap. He diagnosed that disparities between old downtown areas and new towns extend beyond academic achievement to school facilities, educational programs, and college admission rates.
The numbers support this assessment. According to Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education data on "2024 Academic Year Regional Admission Rates to Specialized and Autonomous Private High Schools," 648 of 1,179 Incheon students (55%) admitted to such schools resided in Songdo, Yeongjong, and Cheongna International City. Students from older urban areas are falling behind from the starting line.
"We cannot stop private tutoring, but children must not be denied the chance to pursue their dreams due to financial circumstances," Chairman Lee said.
First in Nation to Propose 'Student-Tailored Integrated Support Ordinance'
He did not stop at words. Chairman Lee became the first among all 17 metropolitan and provincial governments nationwide to propose a "Student-Tailored Integrated Support Ordinance." The measure aims to create a system providing students facing complex crises with comprehensive support—from prevention and counseling to specialist treatment.
"We must identify students experiencing emotional crises or academic struggles early and provide support tailored to their individual characteristics," he said. "If we fail to reach out in time, the education gap will only widen."
He has also tackled the deteriorating facilities at schools in older urban areas. While securing related budget allocations, he has expanded educational staffing support and worked persistently to improve poor conditions.
Advocacy for Teacher Rights and AI Digital Textbooks
As education committee chairman, his concerns extend beyond students. He has actively engaged with teacher rights protection and welfare issues. Following a series of serious incidents in schools recently, he has made improving teachers' mental health and working conditions a key priority.
"We are in close discussions with the metropolitan education office to establish teacher rights protection ordinances and support measures," Chairman Lee said. "We will first assess the mental health status of teachers and expand treatment and counseling support."
He maintains an open stance toward digital transformation. However, he offered pointed criticism regarding AI digital textbooks introduced by the Ministry of Education this year. Addressing low application rates in Incheon, he said, "Pushing forward without institutional preparation only increases confusion. Teacher training and parent outreach must come first."
He believes in embracing innovation while controlling the pace.
From Dedicated Old Downtown Agency to Infertility and Youth Ordinances—"I Will Transform My Hometown"
His hands-on style also proved effective during his tenure as vice chairman of the Construction and Transportation Committee. Recognizing that old downtown-related projects were scattered across departments and operated inefficiently, he used a five-minute free speech at the 286th plenary session to publicly advocate for a dedicated task force. This ultimately led to Incheon City establishing a dedicated agency for old downtown areas. During the same period, he also exposed misconduct by a standing auditor at the urban development corporation, leading to legal action.
His legislative work spans a wide range. He has proposed ordinances supporting infertility treatment to encourage childbirth amid low birth rates, ordinances supporting young entrepreneurs, and ordinances promoting welfare for students and teachers with disabilities. His agenda-setting across generations and social strata reflects the sensibility of a politician in his 40s.
Chairman Lee, who also served as acting chairman of the People Power Party's Incheon Seo-gu Gap district committee, expressed his determination ahead of the June 3 local elections.
"A single city councilman cannot instantly transform an old downtown that has stagnated for decades. But just as I have resolved 2,000 complaints, I will keep my promises to residents one by one through thousands of efforts. I will definitely bring change to my hometown of Gajwa and Seoknam-dong."
"Education determines the future of individuals and the nation—it is rightly called a century-long endeavor," he said. "One person cannot completely change the system, but I am committed to laying the foundation for substantive change in the field."
