[June 3 Election] Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special Mayor Candidates Clash Over Direction of Integration

Sharp Exchanges Between Min Hyungbae, Lee Junghyun, and Kang Eunmi in Televised Debate
Clashes Over AI Industry, Democratic Party Monopoly, and May 18 Issue

During the first televised debate for the June 3 local elections, candidates for the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special Mayor directly clashed over the direction for launching the integrated special city and the regional political landscape. Candidate Min Hyung-bae from the Democratic Party of Korea emphasized a growth strategy centered on cooperation with the Lee Jaemyung administration, while Lee Jeong-hyun from the People Power Party criticized the Democratic Party's monopoly structure and called for checks and balances. Kang Eun-mi from the Justice Party sought to differentiate herself by raising both the need to judge the People Power Party and to keep the Democratic Party in check.

At the candidates' invited debate for the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special Mayor, broadcast live from the KBS Gwangju Broadcasting Headquarters on the 28th and organized by the Election Broadcasting Debate Committee, the candidates debated the significance of the city’s launch and strategies for regional development.

Before the start of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special Mayor Election Candidates Invitation Debate held on the 28th at the KBS Gwangju Broadcasting Headquarters Public Hall in Seo-gu, Gwangju, Min Hyungbae of the Democratic Party, Kang Eunmi of the Justice Party, and Lee Junghyun of the People Power Party (from left) are taking a photo. Photo by Yonhap News.

Candidate Min stated, "I will enhance the growth engine of the integrated special city by working in close alignment with the Lee Jaemyung administration." In contrast, candidate Lee argued, "The Gwangju-Jeonnam integration was rushed through. Pushing such a massive integration within two months without even a single resident vote could turn into a disaster or a sinking ship."

In response, Min countered, "Citizens are more interested in how their lives will improve after integration. If we expand the growth engine and increase the pie, solidarity can replace conflict."

Kang stressed the importance of citizen participation in the integration process, saying, "Sensitive matters such as office location and budget allocation should be openly coordinated by establishing a citizen deliberation committee."

During the initiative debate, a fierce exchange continued regarding industrial policy.

Lee criticized Min’s plans for artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, offshore wind power, and petrochemical advancement, saying, "Calling it the capital of AI without producing electricity or building factories is nothing but false hope." He also questioned the feasibility of establishing a semiconductor design and manufacturing cluster, a key campaign pledge.

Min responded, "Gwangju has strengths in research and development and design, but lacks manufacturing, which is why we are working to attract a semiconductor fab." The exchange grew heated as the two raised their voices during the debate.

The issue of including the May 18 Democratic Movement in the Constitution's preamble also became a point of contention. Min and Kang raised the issue of responsibility on the part of the People Power Party, while Lee said, "Although we are from the same party, I find such remarks and actions regrettable and apologize."

The candidates also differed on how to utilize the integrated special city’s financial resources.

Min stated that up to 20 trillion won in resources would be invested in advanced industry, attracting companies, nurturing talent, and strengthening the social safety net.

Lee proposed focusing resources on attracting large corporations to create jobs and highlighted nurturing the semiconductor, secondary battery, electric vehicle, and defense industries.

Kang announced plans to prioritize investment in renewable energy, industrial transition to carbon neutrality, metropolitan railways and BRT, and building a public healthcare system.

Meanwhile, in a separate debate for non-invited candidates, Lee Jong-uk from the Progressive Party and independent candidate Kim Kwangman each presented their visions for regional development.

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