[Interview] Mayor-Elect Kang Sunghwi of Mokpo: "I Will Reinvigorate Mokpo"

"Leap Forward as the Central City of the Southwestern Region
Through Metropolitan Transportation, Convention Center, and Business Attraction"

In the Mokpo mayoral election in South Jeolla Province, Kang Sunghwi of the Democratic Party of Korea has been elected and will lead the ninth democratically elected Mokpo administration, chosen by the citizens.

Kang, the elected candidate, who has served three terms as a Mokpo city council member, two terms as a South Jeolla provincial council member, and as head of the Jeonnam Social Service Institute, presented the 'Great Transformation of Industry, Population, and Finance' as his core vision during the campaign.

Kang Sung-hwi, the elected representative, answering in the interview.
[Photo by Seunghyun Jeong]

Kang stated, "The result of this election is a mandate from the citizens to reinvigorate Mokpo," adding, "The starting point of this new administration is to rebuild our industrial base, respond to population collapse, and correct our fiscal situation."

In particular, he cited attracting businesses, creating youth jobs, establishing a metropolitan transportation network, constructing a southwestern regional convention center, and revitalizing reconstruction and redevelopment as key tasks.

The Asia Business Daily met with Kang Sunghwi, the mayor-elect of Mokpo, to hear his thoughts on the election, his vision for city governance, strategies to address the population crisis, plans for a wider metropolitan living area, approaches to improving the residential environment, and his personnel management policy for affiliated institutions.

"Overwhelming support is a mandate from citizens to work even harder"

▲ First, please share your thoughts on being elected.

= I sincerely thank the citizens of Mokpo. This victory is not a personal triumph for Kang Sunghwi, but rather a mandate from citizens to reinvigorate Mokpo.

During the campaign, the message from citizens was clear: "We need a city administration that works, not one that fights," and "Mokpo must regain hope."

I do not interpret this overwhelming support as something to boast about, but as a call to be more humble and take on greater responsibility. I will be a mayor who changes lives and proves himself through results.

"Mokpo's crisis: Industrial stagnation, population decline, fiscal deterioration"

▲ What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Mokpo today?

= Mokpo’s crisis can be summarized by three factors: industrial stagnation, population decline, and fiscal deterioration.

As our industries weaken, youth jobs decrease; as young people leave, the population shrinks; and as both the population and economy contract, our fiscal base also erodes. If we fail to break this vicious cycle, Mokpo’s future will become increasingly difficult.

That is why I emphasized the great transformation of industry, population, and finance throughout the campaign. We do not need an administration focused on just building one road or one building; we need a fundamental shift in Mokpo’s growth structure.

"Within 100 days of inauguration, I will present the Mokpo Great Transformation Action Plan"

▲ What will be your first priority upon taking office?

= My first step will be to accurately assess all aspects of city governance. I will thoroughly examine Mokpo’s financial status, ongoing major projects, long-stalled projects, citizen complaints, and the state of organizational management.

Within the first 100 days in office, I will present citizens with a 'Mokpo Great Transformation Action Plan.' Rather than simply listing campaign promises, I will specify what will be done by when, how the budget will be secured, and which department will be responsible for each project.

I will ensure that citizens feel, "The promises made during the campaign are actually being implemented in city administration."

"Citizen-sovereign administration... City Hall should not stand above citizens"

▲ You emphasized 'citizen-sovereign administration.' What does this mean, specifically?

= City Hall is not an institution that stands above citizens, but one that serves them. Citizen-sovereign administration means creating a structure in which citizens propose policies, scrutinize budgets, and evaluate city governance.

A system where the mayor alone makes decisions and notifies citizens is outdated. I will make participatory budgeting a reality and ensure that key policies go through a citizen deliberation process.

In particular, I will make sure the voices of young people, women, small business owners, workers, and seniors are reflected in city governance. My goal is to create a Mokpo where citizens are not merely bystanders, but the true owners of city administration.

"Metropolitan transport network must be established quickly, even through leasing"

▲ What do you believe is the most urgent infrastructure need for the development of the southwestern region?

= The metropolitan transport network. With only Mokpo’s own transport system, it is difficult to enhance the city’s competitiveness. A metropolitan transport system connecting Mokpo, Muan, Shinan, and Yeongam must be established swiftly.

Kang Seonghwi, the elected official, expresses his convictions about the future administrative operations of Mokpo.
Photo by Seunghyun Jung

If administrative procedures and budget constraints are likely to cause delays, I believe we should at least begin with leased metropolitan buses or a circular transport network. Citizens must be able to move in practice for the living area to expand, and for jobs, tourism, and consumption to be connected.

The metropolitan transport network is not just a transportation policy; it is also a population and industrial policy. For Mokpo to serve as the central city of the southwestern region, transportation must be addressed first.

 

"A southwestern regional convention center is essential"

▲ You also mentioned the need for a convention center. What is your vision for this?

= A metropolitan-scale convention facility is essential for Mokpo and the southwestern region. We need a venue that can connect meetings, exhibitions, forums, industrial events, and tourism to attract people and capital from outside the city.

The convention center is not just about constructing a building. It is an economic platform that brings together accommodation, food, tourism, transportation, and local industries.

I will actively pursue the construction of a southwestern regional convention center. If necessary, I will consider dividing its functions and establishing it across two locations. Mokpo must become a hub that connects marine tourism, industry, and cultural events.

"Mokpo, Muan, Shinan, and Yeongam must unite, not compete, to survive"

▲ You also stressed your vision for a wide-area living zone.

= It is now an era where a single local government cannot secure urban competitiveness alone. Mokpo has port and city functions, Muan has the airport and administrative/transport functions, Shinan has renewable energy and island resources, and Yeongam has an industrial base.

If each area competes separately, their strength is dispersed. If they unite, the entire southwestern region can become a single axis of growth.

I will pursue a wide-area living zone that jointly designs metropolitan transportation, tourism, industry, energy, healthcare, and education. Rather than rushing administrative integration, I will start with practical cooperation that connects citizens’ daily lives and industries.

"Key to addressing population collapse: attracting businesses and creating jobs"

▲ The issue of population decline in Mokpo is severe. What is the fundamental solution?

= The population problem cannot be solved by childbirth incentives alone. Ultimately, people need jobs to stay, and people need to stay for marriage and childbirth to occur.

The most important thing is to attract businesses. By bringing in quality companies and creating good jobs, young people can live and work in Mokpo. Attracting businesses is both a population policy and a policy to boost the birth rate.

Mokpo has growth potential in offshore wind power, RE100 industries, the seaweed industry, and AI/marine industries. I will focus on attracting businesses and enabling young people to settle in these fields.

"Birth, childcare, education, and housing must go together to raise the birth rate"

▲ What are your specific plans for boosting the birth rate?

= Before telling people to have children, we must create an environment where they can have and raise them. Pregnancy, childbirth, childcare, education, and housing must all be addressed together.

While national-level birth support or basic allowance policies are necessary, the local government’s role is to create a comprehensive and supportive living environment.

It is crucial to provide a childcare environment where parents can safely entrust their children, an educational environment suitable for raising children, and housing that young couples can afford.

Mokpo must become a city where it is good to raise children so that young people do not leave. The birth rate is both a welfare policy and a matter of urban competitiveness.

"Population strategies should include the living population, commuters, and tourists"

▲ There are calls for a population strategy that goes beyond only those registered as residents. What are your thoughts?

= That’s correct. Population policy can no longer focus solely on the registered resident population. School commuters, workers, tourists, and business travelers all contribute to the city’s vitality.

We must increase the number of people who, even if they do not live in Mokpo, work, study, shop, and spend time here. This is the living population.

I will expand the living population by developing metropolitan transportation, tourism, convention, industrial complexes, and educational infrastructure together. Only by making Mokpo a city where people come and go can we revitalize the regional economy.

"A multicultural-friendly city is needed to attract foreign residents"

▲ Do you see attracting foreign residents and multicultural populations as part of population policy?

= Absolutely. In the future, local cities must prepare to coexist with foreign residents. Only by becoming a city where foreigners want to live can we secure population, labor, and cultural diversity.

We need to provide administrative services, Korean language education, housing, healthcare, support for children’s education, and assistance for adapting to the local community. Multicultural families and foreign workers must be able to settle in Mokpo with stability.

The birth rate and settlement potential of foreign residents can also be important factors in maintaining the city’s population. I will make Mokpo a multicultural-friendly and truly international city.

"Establishing a dedicated youth office to consolidate youth policies"

▲ What are your plans for youth policy?

= Youth issues cannot be solved with a single youth allowance. Jobs, housing, entrepreneurship, culture, marriage, and childcare must all be addressed together.

I will establish a dedicated youth office to consolidate scattered youth policies in one place. I will create platforms to support youth entrepreneurship, youth housing, employment connections with local companies, expand cultural spaces, and promote youth participation in policymaking.

Mokpo must become a city that young people return to, not leave. If young people do not come back, Mokpo has no future.

"Without fiscal innovation, no campaign promise will last long"

▲ There are also significant concerns about Mokpo’s finances. How do you plan to address fiscal issues?

= We must take a sober look at our finances. Even the best campaign promises mean little without adequate funding.

First, I will streamline wasteful and redundant budget items. Projects with low impact on citizens will be boldly adjusted, while budgets for essential livelihood, economy, and future industries will be prioritized.

I will also change our strategy for securing national funding. Rather than belatedly responding to central government public offering projects, we will design projects that Mokpo truly needs in advance and align them with government policy directions. We will build a constant cooperation system with the National Assembly, central ministries, and South Jeolla Province.

"Aging in the old town is severe... Reconstruction and redevelopment must be revitalized"

▲ Improving the residential environment in Mokpo’s old and original downtown is also an important issue.

= The residential environment in Mokpo’s old downtown is deteriorating and slumification is accelerating. Many single-family homes are aging, vacant houses are increasing, and the former focus on mid-rise apartments now needs to change.

For the city to remain sustainable, reconstruction and redevelopment are necessary. We must remodel old houses and build new ones where needed to improve living conditions.

Reconstruction and redevelopment are not simply about building taller structures. It involves managing the urban skyline, improving residential quality, and creating an environment where younger generations can live.

"Imseong, Seosan-Ongeum, and old police station areas under review for urban renewal"

▲ Which specific areas are being considered for reconstruction and redevelopment?

= The Imseong District, Seosan-Ongeum District, areas around the old police station, Yongdang Apartments, near Mokpo Medical Center, and the Chakan Housing area are all being reviewed for urban renewal.

However, reconstruction and redevelopment cannot be unilaterally enforced by the administration. Resident consent, private investment, business feasibility, and urban planning must all align.

The city will actively cooperate. We will support necessary administrative procedures and create conditions to enable private investment. However, it is crucial that these projects do not harm residents’ lives or displace original residents.

"Considering using cleared vacant lots as temporary parking lots"

▲ The issue of vacant houses is also a major concern in Mokpo.

= Vacant houses not only harm the city’s appearance but also pose safety and security risks. If left unattended, they further degrade the surrounding residential environment.

I will expand support for demolishing vacant houses and consider using the cleared land as temporary parking lots or community spaces.

In areas with severe parking shortages, we can tackle both vacant house management and parking space expansion together. Urban renewal and resolving daily inconveniences must be linked.

"Expansion of 5,000 parking spaces symbolizes the resolution of daily inconveniences"

▲ You have also said you aim to be the ‘parking lot mayor.’ What does this mean?

= Parking is one of the daily inconveniences citizens face. Parking shortages are severe in the old downtown, commercial districts, around apartments, schools, and hospitals.

While having a grand vision is important, I believe that solving the everyday problems citizens experience is a crucial responsibility for the mayor.

I will comprehensively pursue the expansion of public parking lots, utilization of idle land, opening school and public institution parking lots, and introducing a smart parking information system. I want citizens to truly feel, "Mokpo is becoming more convenient."

"The original downtown must balance preservation, daily living, and tourism"

▲ What are your plans for revitalizing the original downtown?

= The original downtown is Mokpo’s history and identity. But we should not focus solely on history. Residents need to live there, businesses need to thrive, and tourists need to stay.

I will connect the modern history and culture zone, Mokpo Station, Yudalsan, the port, and alley commercial districts into a single flow. I am also considering using vacant houses and shops for youth entrepreneurship, cultural spaces, residential accommodations, and local art spaces.

Revitalizing the original downtown is not about simply beautifying buildings. It must be a project that revives residents’ lives and the local economy.

"Appointees in affiliated organizations will have their terms guaranteed, but must be more proactive"

▲ What is your personnel policy for city-affiliated and funded organizations?

= Basically, the terms of those who have already been appointed will be guaranteed. Whether to end a term early is a matter for the individual to decide.

However, as the times and city direction change, appropriate roles and efforts are required. Organization heads and staff must respond more proactively to meet the changes citizens expect.

Kang Sung-hwi, the elected representative, explaining local development issues with a smile.
[Photo by Seunghyun Jung]

Affiliated organizations should not be seen as places for job security, but as sites for delivering public services and implementing policy for citizens. You must play responsible roles in line with the city’s philosophy and citizens’ demands. 

"Personnel appointments will proceed in order: secretariat, civil servants, and then affiliated organizations"

▲ What will be the process for personnel appointments going forward?

= The sequence and procedure of appointments are important. First, I will reorganize the secretariat personnel, then review civil servant appointments, followed by appointments for funded and affiliated organizations in stages.

Civil servant appointments will be based on prior work performance evaluations and organizational needs. Within the scope of promotion quotas, I will make responsible decisions as head of the organization.

However, I will not rush without proper evaluations. The July appointment period may also be adjusted if necessary. I expect that the direction and character of the new administration will be reflected even more clearly in the next regular personnel appointments than in this one.

"I will avoid last-minute, forced, or morale-damaging personnel appointments"

▲ What is your greatest concern in personnel management?

= I will not make forced appointments at the end of a term, appointments for specific individuals, or those that undermine organizational morale.

Personnel appointments must serve organizational stability and citizen service. Clear standards and procedures are needed so that everyone can accept the results.

Only when the civil service can work without fear will citizens benefit. I will create a culture where civil servants who do their jobs well are recognized, and those who are kind to citizens are properly evaluated.

"I will create a working atmosphere in the civil service"

▲ What is your vision for managing the civil service?

= If civil servants become discouraged, citizens suffer. I will foster a work environment where civil servants can perform their duties without worrying about external pressures.

However, I will be clear about the principles. The focus will be on citizen-centeredness, performance, and integrity. I will not tolerate favoritism or divisive appointments.

Civil servants who do their jobs well will be recognized, those who are kind to citizens will be evaluated positively, and a culture of responsible administration will take hold. As mayor, I will work transparently and set the example.

"Mokpo’s next 10 years are being decided right now"

▲ Finally, is there anything you would like to say to the citizens?

= Once again, I thank the citizens. I will humbly uphold the overwhelming support you have given me.

The next 10 years for Mokpo are being decided now. We must transform our industries, retain young people, fix our finances, and leap forward as the central city of the southwestern region.

I will start by being close to the citizens. I will listen humbly, act quickly, and prove myself through results. I will make Mokpo vibrant again—a city citizens are proud of, a city young people return to, and a city where citizens can prosper.

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