Clash Over 500 Trillion Won Semiconductor Investments and Presidential Intent... Fierce Debate at First Democratic Party Integrated Special Mayoral Primary Policy Forum

Competition Over Energy, Airport, and Agro-Fisheries Strategies in the Western Region
Candidates Offer Distinct Solutions for Transportation and Medical Infrastructure
Direct Confrontation Over Semiconductor Investment and Campaign Materials
Second Vision Debate for the Eastern Region to Be Held in Suncheon on the 28th

The industrial strategy for the western region of Jeonnam and the feasibility of the integrated metropolitan city emerged as central issues at the first in-depth policy jury debate for the Democratic Party's Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Mayoral Primary. The candidates presented their respective visions for the western region, focusing on renewable energy, airports, and agricultural and fisheries industries. At the same time, they publicly raised concerns about the feasibility of their opponents' pledges.

At the regional policy jury debate held on the 27th at the main auditorium of the Seafood Distribution Center in Mokpo, Jeonnam, Democratic Party candidates for the Jeonnam Gwangju Special Mayor election, Shin Jeong-hoon (from left), Min Hyung-bae, Joo Cheol-hyun, Kang Ki-jung, and Kim Young-rok, are having a photo time. Photo by Yonhap News

The in-depth policy jury debate, held on the 27th at the auditorium of the Mokpo Seafood Distribution Center, was attended by the preliminary primary winners: Shin Jeonghun, Min Hyungbae, Joo Cheolhyun, Kang Kijeong, and Kim Youngrok.

Differences between the candidates became apparent from their approaches to the western region’s industrial strategy.

Candidate Min Hyungbae stated, "I believe that the western region, with its great renewable energy potential, will become the central hub of the special city's economic development," adding, "New wine must go into new wineskins. The person who can work seamlessly with Lee Jae-myung’s administration must pave the way." He also emphasized, "I have no time for negative campaigning by slandering and fabricating facts," calling for an end to negative competition.

Candidate Joo Cheolhyun pledged to develop the Muan government complex as a hub for energy, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and fisheries, and to grow Muan Airport into the "Northeast Asia gateway airport." He also proposed a basic rural income of around 300,000 won per month and transferring the authority to set agricultural and fisheries product prices to Jeonnam. He presented plans to build Mokpo and Muan into supporting cities by attracting the Mokpo New Port hinterland complex and the Haenam RE100 industrial complex.

Candidate Shin Jeonghun said, "By attracting Korea Electric Power Corporation, KENTECH, and the artificial sun research facility, I have laid the groundwork for Jeonnam’s energy industry," adding, "I am also the person who made the joint innovation city a success and created the integrated special law." He emphasized his intention to "implement a citizen-sovereign government in the integrated city." He also criticized candidate Kim Youngrok, saying, "While responding to depopulation, their family lives in Seoul."

Candidate Kim Youngrok highlighted his achievements: "Ranked first in the metropolitan government head performance assessment for 66 months, the establishment of Korea Energy Engineering University, and the long-awaited establishment of a national medical school after 40 years is now at hand." He continued, "By merging Muan and Mokpo, I will firmly foster advanced industries and create a special city in the southwestern region with a population of 600,000."

Candidate Kang Kijeong compared the livelihood situation to a "wartime situation," mentioning his response to drought during his first year in office, and emphasized his experience in solving problems together with citizens during crises.

The debate also offered contrasting solutions for transportation and medical infrastructure.

Regarding public transportation, candidate Shin Jeonghun proposed a Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) system and public taxis, while candidate Joo Cheolhyun mentioned express trunk buses. Candidate Min Hyungbae advocated for autonomous public transportation and free public transit, and candidate Kim Youngrok explained a three-stage basic fare for intercity buses and plans to link city, metropolitan, and intercity buses.

In terms of medical infrastructure, candidate Min Hyungbae proposed a regional integrated emergency system, while candidate Kang Kijeong announced plans to establish two general hospitals in the east and west and a nighttime pediatric hospital. Candidate Kim Youngrok referred to the construction of university hospitals in the east and west using a 20 trillion won budget, and candidate Shin Jeonghun outlined the "beginning of a complete era of medical autonomy." Candidate Joo Cheolhyun proposed establishing university hospitals at Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University.

At the regional policy jury debate held on the 27th at the auditorium of the Seafood Distribution Center in Mokpo, Jeonnam, Democratic Party candidates for the Jeonnam Gwangju Special Mayor election, Kang Kijeong (from left), Kim Youngrok, Shin Junghoon, Joo Cheolhyun, and Min Hyeongbae, are answering questions from the policy jurors. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The initiative debate saw not only policy verification but also emotionally charged exchanges.

Candidate Min Hyungbae questioned candidate Kim Youngrok, asking, "You emphasize attracting semiconductor investments worth 500 trillion won. Can you disclose a concrete list of companies and amounts that have actually committed to groundbreaking and investment?" When Kim explained cases related to secondary batteries, offshore wind power, and renewable energy investments, Min interrupted, saying, "I asked about semiconductors." Kim responded, "Don't interrupt," to which Min reiterated, "My question was about semiconductors."

Kim replied, "Give me at least 30 seconds. A single semiconductor fab costs 60 trillion won, so if we attract five or six, that's 300 trillion won in investments," but Min insisted, "I'm asking about semiconductors, so please stop." Min added, "After the launch of the integrated city, is there a company that can actually start construction within a year? It just sounds like talk." Kim countered, "It will be realized soon. Don't be so skeptical."

Candidate Shin Jeonghun also brought up the issue of campaign materials, which had been controversial since the preliminary primary. Shin said, "You fabricated the preliminary primary vote rate, misleading voters. You must have received the central party's decision letter. Are you willing to honestly admit and apologize here?" Min replied, "You keep misunderstanding. That was not the preliminary primary vote rate," but Shin persisted, "Didn't you promote it in a way that confused and misled people?"

Candidate Kang Kijeong also continued to press Min. Kang said, "You said that establishing two medical schools with 50 students each is not President Lee Jae-myung’s intention, but at Suncheon yesterday, you said you would create two schools. Initially, you suggested administrative integration should happen in four years, but now I can't tell if you understand the president's intentions. You always claim presidential support, but you should have real competence to back it up." Min responded, "I never said we should integrate in four years, and I said having two medical schools is not possible. Why do you keep making false claims?"

The exchanges continued until the end of the debate. Candidate Kim Youngrok criticized Min’s administrative investment plans, saying, "How can a local government that cannot even invest claim to make investments?" When Min tried to reply, "We will create an investment corporation and bring in many experts," Kim retorted, "I did not ask for a response."

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