United Democratic Party Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Mayor Group A Debate: Clash Over Integrity and Regional Conflict

Kim Youngrok, Kang Gijung, Joo Cheolhyeon, and Min Hyungbae Engage in Heated Debate on Gwangju MBC Live Broadcast
Clashes Over Integrity of Associates, Medical School Location, and Marginalization of the Eastern Region
Competition Intensifies Over Pledges: 20 Trillion Won Budget, Semiconductors, Welfare, and Balanced Regional Development

Yonhap News Agency

Four preliminary candidates for the United Democratic Party's Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Mayor faced off in a joint debate held the previous day, clashing over issues of integrity, regional conflict, and the integration process.

On March 17, candidates Kim Youngrok, Kang Gijung, Joo Cheolhyeon, and Min Hyungbae participated in Group A’s joint debate at the Gwangju MBC Open Hall in Nam-gu, Gwangju, where they presented their signature pledges and proposals for utilizing a 20 trillion won budget, engaging in policy competition. Although the debate began with a focus on policy proposals, it soon escalated into disputes among the candidates regarding integrity, the integration process, and inter-regional conflict.

During the round for initiative, candidate Kang Gijung raised the issue of integrity related to Min Hyungbae’s close associate, stating, “The authority granted to an integrated mayor, especially regarding permits and approvals, is far greater than people imagine, making integrity vitally important.” He continued, “How do you view the fact that your chief secretary was arrested for bribery while you were district mayor?”

Min Hyungbae responded, “As far as I know, (the chief secretary) did not commit bribery using official powers,” and added, “You are bringing up an incident from ten years ago. Shouldn’t we avoid negative campaigning in this election?” Kang countered, “A chief secretary of a local government head being arrested and serving time for bribery is a serious issue—this is not negative campaigning.”

Kim Youngrok criticized Min Hyungbae’s previously cautious stance on integration, asking, “Shouldn’t you have apologized instead?” He also rigorously questioned the feasibility of Min’s pledge to establish a power corporation and supply low-cost electricity. Kang Gijung pressured the other candidates by raising the issue of where to establish a medical school in Jeonnam, leading to a heated exchange with Kim Youngrok, who said, “That’s not something you can speak about so lightly.”

Joo Cheolhyeon, addressing Kim Youngrok, said, “I believe residents in the eastern region feel nothing was done about the industrial crisis,” raising concerns about the marginalization of the eastern region. He also pointed out, regarding the location of the main government office, “You are avoiding answers on sensitive matters.” While Min Hyungbae cautioned Kang Gijung that “the ability to mediate conflict is important,” his exchanges with Joo Cheolhyeon were relatively moderated and focused on policy inquiries. Min Hyungbae and Kim Youngrok also engaged in a tense back-and-forth, each accusing the other of exceeding the allotted time for questions and answers.

Yonhap News Agency

The candidates also presented distinct policy pledges. Kim Youngrok highlighted the establishment of a full-cycle semiconductor industry ecosystem as his key pledge, stating, “Through a semiconductor belt connecting Gwangju, the west, and the east, we will attract 500 trillion won in investment and create 100,000 jobs.” He further explained, “Of the 20 trillion won budget, 10 trillion will be invested in industrial infrastructure, 5 trillion in energy and transportation infrastructure, and 5 trillion in welfare.”

Kang Gijung made the “Special Citizen Allowance” his primary pledge, stating, “We will support the incomes of youth, small business owners, and farmers to enhance welfare and wages.” He added, “We will use part of the 20 trillion won budget to create a 30 trillion won investment fund to attract large corporations.”

Joo Cheolhyeon stated, “Integration could intensify the concentration of resources in Gwangju and accelerate the disappearance of rural areas in Jeonnam,” presenting balanced regional development and a decentralized administrative system as his top pledge. He added, “The 20 trillion won budget will be used to foster renewable energy and advanced industries, and we will create a special balanced development fund within 20% of the general budget to address rural depopulation.”

Min Hyungbae emphasized, “We will build a system in which citizens directly participate in the decision-making of the integrated special city through a citizen sovereignty government.” Regarding budget utilization, he stated, “We will invest 80% of the 20 trillion won budget in ultra-advanced industries such as AI and semiconductors, and return the results to citizens in the form of lifetime income.”

Differing stances also emerged in energy policy. Kang Gijung advocated for expanding the power transmission and distribution network and introducing a differential electricity rate system. Min Hyungbae called for establishing a power corporation and attracting industries through low-cost electricity supply. Joo Cheolhyeon proposed expanding energy storage systems and community-driven power generation models, while Kim Youngrok promised reduced electricity rates and the introduction of a basic energy income.

In their introductory remarks, each candidate forecasted their chances of becoming the final nominee as Kim Youngrok at 100%, Min Hyungbae at 99%, Kang Gijung at 52%, and Joo Cheolhyeon at 51%.

The United Democratic Party will continue with Group B’s debate on March 18, with Shin Jeonghoon and Jeong Junho participating. Originally, Lee Gaeho and Lee Byeonghoon were also included in Group B, but after both withdrew, only two candidates will participate in the debate. The party will hold a preliminary primary on March 19-20 through a voting process by rights-holding members to select five finalists for the main primary.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.