[Interview] Assemblyman Moonyoung Lim: "Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, the First Model for Region-Led Growth in the AI Era"

Emphasizing Semiconductor Investment and Administrative Restructuring

Fostering Gwangsan-eul as a Hub for AI Demonstration

"In the AI Era, We Must Broaden the Scale of Our Thinking"

Moonyoung Lim, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Gwangsan-eul, Gwangju, has defined the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City as the starting point for region-led growth in Korea during the AI era. He identified semiconductor investment and restructuring the administrative system as key tasks in the initial stage of integration and also revealed plans to foster Gwangsan-eul as a testbed for AI demonstration, turning it into a hub for nationwide expansion.

Recognized as an AI policy expert, Assemblyman Lim began his association with President Lee Jaemyung in 2017 while serving as a policy aide during Lee’s term as mayor of Seongnam. He later worked in Gyeonggi Province as a policy aide for informatization and as Director of Future Growth Policy, overseeing digital policy. Last year, he served as Chair of the Special Committee on Digital Affairs during the presidential election. After the inauguration of the current administration, he took on the role of full-time Deputy Chair of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy Committee, participating in the establishment of AI policy.

Im Munyoung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Gwangsan-eul, appeared on the Asia Business Daily Honam Coverage Headquarters YouTube channel "Kim Wookwan's World Affairs" on the 26th, sharing his views on the Jeonnam-Gwangju integrated special city and the AI industry. Photo by Kim Wanjung

In an interview conducted on June 26 at MSL Studio in Buk-gu, Gwangju, for The Asia Business Daily Honam Reporting Headquarters YouTube channel "Kim Ugwan's World Affairs," Assemblyman Lim shared his views on the launch of the integrated special city, the AI industry, and semiconductor investments.

Assemblyman Lim said, "The campaign period was short, and since I entered the race late, there must have been many people who didn’t know me well. I feel a great sense of responsibility for the support I received." He continued, "I believe voters hoped I would play a role in leading the transformation of industries with the launch of the integrated special city. In this era of AI transformation, I am determined to accomplish meaningful work for Jeonnam and Gwangju."

Regarding the controversy over strategic nominations, he said, "After my nomination was confirmed, I was on the KTX train heading to Gwangju and saw an article that a civic group had criticized the Democratic Party’s strategic nomination, which surprised me." He added, "After meeting with the civic group and hearing their concerns, I understood that there was a sense that we had not sufficiently explained the direction and criteria of the strategic nomination to citizens, and that disappointment over previous strategic nominations had accumulated. I realize I need to work hard to alleviate those worries."

On his connection to President Lee Jaemyung, he said, "About ten years ago, I first formed a connection while assisting with Seongnam City policy. By reading the diaries President Lee wrote during his youth, I came to understand his upbringing and perspective, and from then on, I was determined to work with him."

Regarding the phrase in his campaign materials that he is "the most trusted aide to President Lee Jaemyung," he laughed and replied, "That’s my own claim," adding, "When considering future growth policy in science, technology, and information and communications, the President tended to listen to my opinions relatively often."

Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City at the Starting Line of Industrial Transformation

Assemblyman Lim emphasized the significance of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, saying, "It is the first case nationwide where administrative integration was achieved by resident consensus."

He stated, "In the AI era, regions must drive their own growth, and Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City is taking the lead as the first model. This is not simply an issue for Jeonnam and Gwangju, but the starting point for a new model of region-led growth in Korea." He continued, "Mayor Kang Gijung, Governor Kim Youngrok, and local residents have created favorable conditions. Now, the roles of Special Mayor Min Hyungbae, the political community, and public officials are truly crucial."

Jeonnam Gwangju Grand Transition Planning Committee. Photo by Boyun Song

Regarding his participation as a Special Advisor on AI and Semiconductors for the Jeonnam-Gwangju Daejeon Transition Planning Committee, he explained, "Currently, my role is to help define the overall direction for the integrated special city."

He said, "For now, it is more important to systematically organize semiconductor investment plans and the preparation status of Jeonnam and Gwangju than to focus on AI projects. It is necessary to first structure the basic framework, such as building the administrative system and governance, forming the city council, and addressing issues regarding the main government office." He added, "After that, we will discuss administrative reforms for AI transformation, improvements in working methods, demonstration projects, and related initiatives."

"In the AI Era, We Must Change the Scale of Our Thinking"

Regarding the possibility of investments in the Honam region by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, he stressed the need for a shift in perception about the AI era.

Assemblyman Lim said, "The AI era is completely different from before. When all machines decide and act on their own, the mechanisms driving labor, capital, industry, and the economy itself can fundamentally change." He continued, "In the past, even a 5 trillion won investment in Gwangju was considered a significant change, but now we are talking about investments of 100 trillion or 200 trillion won. It is time to expand the scale of our thinking." He further stated, "If you are an AI expert, whether you are from Busan, Daegu, or abroad, you should be brought in to help make Gwangju a prosperous city. We must broaden the scope and scale of our thinking to fit the AI era, rather than being confined by regional boundaries or the past."

Im Moonyoung, elected member of the National Assembly for Gwangsan-eul, Gwangju, Democratic Party of Korea, is expressing gratitude to citizens on the street immediately after the election. Photo courtesy of Im Moonyoung's office

Finally, Assemblyman Lim said, "The region that best embodies the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Movement should become the most prosperous and leading city. For the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City to succeed, new momentum must emerge in Gwangsan District, especially Gwangsan-eul." He added, "Gwangsan District has a young population and is well established as a residential area, so its role as a testbed for AI demonstration is crucial. I will do my best to ensure that various AI experiments are conducted in Gwangsan-eul and become a catalyst for nationwide expansion."

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