The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced today (the 30th) that Mayor Oh Se-hoon, currently on leave, attended the "Seoul Learn Communication Special Lecture" to meet and encourage young people preparing to enter society.

Mayor Oh stated, "No one's dreams should shrink because of their parents' financial circumstances," adding, "The reason we launched Seoul Learn is to ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to build their future through their own efforts and talents, regardless of their starting environment."

He continued, "People can broaden their scope of thought and perspective on the world through the process of sharing thoughts with others and accepting different opinions," urging participants, "Rather than searching for a single right answer, I hope you will listen to each other's stories and keep an open mind toward thoughts different from your own."

In addition, Mayor Oh remarked during a talk program with announcer Han Seok-joon, who led the special lecture that day, that "the answer lies in the field, and active listening is the beginning of empathy."

He further emphasized, "Having differing opinions is part of the process of finding better answers, so we are identifying needs and resolving issues through an attitude of listening more closely to citizens' voices and engaging in sufficient dialogue."

The event was organized to help university students and young adults transitioning into the workforce reduce communication difficulties while adapting to new environments, and to support them in enhancing their empathy, communication, and collaboration skills necessary for social life.

A total of 44 Seoul Learn members who are university students or recent graduates and 36 mentors attended the event.

The program featured a communication lecture by announcer Han Seok-joon followed by small-group practical training sessions across four areas: comprehension, delivery, writing, and speech.

(Photo provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yonhap News)