Myunghyun Kwan Inaugurated for Ninth Term: "Completing 'ACE Haenam' with Samsung's 17 Trillion Won Investment"

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Myunghyun Kwan was officially inaugurated as the 46th (9th popularly elected) governor of Haenam County on July 1. Governor Myung expressed his ambitious vision to elevate Haenam into a key hub for advanced industries and future agriculture in South Korea, leveraging large-scale private investment and unwavering political support.

The inauguration ceremony saw a flood of megaton-level support messages from central political leaders, celebrating Haenam County's new beginning.

County Governor Myung Hyungkwan announced in his inauguration speech that Haenam will be promoted as a leading hub for South Korea's advanced industries and future agriculture. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

President Jaemyung Lee sent a congratulatory message stating, "The government has set 'A Great Leap Forward Led by Local Regions' as a key national agenda, and is implementing a balanced growth strategy of five major axes and three special zones, along with decentralization policies. The role of basic local governments, which drive changes closest to citizens' lives, is more important than ever. Let us all move forward boldly to make Haenam County a better place to live."

Assemblyman Jiwon Park, who attended the event, also pledged full support in his congratulatory remarks: "President Jaemyung Lee is bringing about a major transformation in Haenam, and yesterday's decision by Samsung to invest 17 trillion won is the best gift to celebrate Governor Myung's inauguration. I promise to work hand in hand with Governor Myung to make Haenam number one."

Assemblyman Junghoon Shin also sent a congratulatory message, pledging close cooperation at the National Assembly level to lead future industries based on renewable energy centered on the RE100 industrial complex in Solaseido.

Backed by strong support from the president and political circles, the inauguration ceremony broke away from the conventional, authoritarian protocols. The pre-ceremony events skipped tedious individual greetings for guests, replacing them with video introductions. The event was praised for its practical protocol, tailored to the perspectives of Council Chair Kyungmae Min, other assembly members, and Haenam residents.

Members of the National Assembly Jiwon Park and Gyeongmae Min, Chairman of Haenam County Council, are giving congratulatory speeches at the inauguration ceremony of Hyun-gwan Myeong, Governor of Haenam County. Photo by Jukyung Lee

In his inaugural address, Governor Myung expressed strong confidence, grounded in the overwhelming administrative achievements built during his 7th and 8th terms. He stated, "By running county administration based on the principles of fairness, equity, and transparency, Haenam has achieved the highest 'SA' rating for eight consecutive years in the Manifesto Pledge Implementation Assessment, the top grade in Integrity Assessment, and secured the largest-ever national and provincial funding, opening the era of a 1 trillion won budget for a county-level government for the first time. Building on the trust earned through clean administration and expanded local finances, we will continue to drive Haenam's change and growth."

Governor Myung especially highlighted the achievement of attracting Samsung's large-scale 17 trillion won data center investment, which was announced the day before his inauguration, declaring a major transformation for Haenam.

He explained, "Samsung has decided to invest a total of 17 trillion won to build a large-scale AI data center, including a National AI Computing Center, in Haenam's Solaseido Corporate City. The National AI Computing Center, a national strategic infrastructure, will break ground this month and begin operation in 2028. We will attract numerous related research institutes and companies around this center." He further stressed, "By enacting a Special Act for Creating Renewable Energy Self-Sufficient Cities, we will establish an RE100 national industrial complex and complete a new growth hub for high-tech industries."

He then unveiled the "ACE Haenam" strategy, which will drive Haenam's centennial plan during the 9th popularly elected term. This strategy integrates Agriculture (Agri), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Culture, and Energy. Governor Myung's proposal goes beyond mere declaration, presenting concrete implementation plans.

In front of the opaque screen equipped with AI video, County Governor Myunhyun Kwan and guests extended their hands to hold the vision declaration ceremony. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

First, to achieve the "completion of future agriculture and fisheries," Haenam County will build on its pioneering introduction of the nation's first agricultural and fisheries public benefit allowance and its success in attracting the National Center for Agro-Food Climate Change Response to accelerate the creation of a "Smart Agriculture Mega Cluster."

The plan is to foster key agricultural and fisheries products representing Haenam—such as rice, cabbage, sweet potatoes, and laver—into high value-added top brands, and to solidify its position as the undisputed "No. 1 agriculture and fisheries region in South Korea" by establishing a logistics hub for the southwestern region of Jeollanam-do and expanding export infrastructure.

He also announced a "revolutionary innovation of residential conditions" in line with the large-scale investment inflow. To accommodate the explosive growth in population and industrial demand driven by the development of the advanced industrial ecosystem, the county will comprehensively overhaul housing, transportation, and educational environments.

In particular, to cultivate future talent tailored to the region, Haenam Technical High School's transition into a Meister High School has been confirmed for 2028 and will be prepared without setbacks. The county also plans to actively attract international schools meeting global standards.

He did not overlook the "warm welfare community" directly linked to residents' quality of life. The county will establish a seamless "Smart Welfare Safety Net" to care for seniors and vulnerable groups, and fully expand the Village Doctor System and Neighborhood Welfare Officer System to eliminate welfare blind spots. Additionally, by building a Carbon Neutral Education Center and spreading the "Haenam-style ESG" model, the county aims to become a sustainable city of environmental education.

Following the Haenam hymn sung by the County Choir, popular singer Miss Kim, who is from Haenam, was appointed as an honorary ambassador, garnering attention. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

Above all, Governor Myung mapped out an even greater vision: leading balanced development for the entire southwestern region. The goal is to expedite the expansion of core regional transportation networks such as expressways and railways, and, in line with discussions on the administrative integration of Jeollanam-do and Gwangju Metropolitan City, to connect the southwestern region as an "AI, Energy, and Advanced Industry Belt." In this way, the 9th popularly elected administration of Haenam County aims to turn Haenam from a mere rural municipality into a new axis of national growth for South Korea.

Governor Myung reaffirmed his commitment, saying, "We will never miss this historic golden time for Haenam, and together with our residents, we will ensure that Haenam at the southern tip becomes the core hub and center of Korea's future and transformation."

Meanwhile, in the post-ceremony event, following the performance of "Haenam Praise" by the county choir, Miss Kim, a popular singer from Haenam, was appointed as an honorary ambassador, drawing much attention. Upon her appointment, Miss Kim immediately donated the maximum hometown love donation amount of 5 million won, adding meaningful warmth to the new beginning of Haenam's 9th popularly elected administration.

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