Jeonnam-Gwangju Future Vision Proclaimed: "Leap Forward as South Korea's Growth Axis with AI and Semiconductors"

Future Vision Proclamation Ceremony Hosted by Namdo Ilbo and Gwangju MBC
Over 600 Attendees Including Mayor Min Hyungbae and Superintendent Kim Daejung
"Overwhelming Growth Powered by 800 Trillion Won Semiconductor Investment"

On the second day since the launch of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, leaders from the region's political, economic, and educational sectors gathered in one place to share future growth strategies centered on AI and the semiconductor industry, declaring the opening of the "Era of Great Leap Forward for Jeonnam-Gwangju."

Namdo Ilbo and Gwangju MBC hosted the "Era of Great Leap Forward: Future Vision Proclamation Ceremony Celebrating the Launch of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City" on the 2nd at the main auditorium of Korea Energy Engineering University (KENTECH) in Naju Innovation City.

The event was attended by Min Hyungbae, Mayor of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Office of Education, Song Hyeonggon, Chairperson of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Council, Jung Wonju, Chairman of Namdo Ilbo, Kim Nakgon, President of Gwangju MBC, Han Sangwon, Chairman of Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as members of the National Assembly, heads of local governments, special city council members, leaders from the business community, civil society figures, and more than 600 attendees.

At the 'Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City Vision Declaration Ceremony' held on the 2nd at the Korean Energy University auditorium in Naju, Jeonnam, Min Hyung-bae, Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City Mayor, Kim Dae-jung, Superintendent of Education, Chung Wonju, Chairman of the Namdo Daily, Park Junil, President of the Namdo Daily, Kim Nak-gon, President of Gwangju MBC, and Han Sangwon, Chairman of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, are taking a commemorative photo.

The participants pledged to pool their efforts so that Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, the nation's first case of metropolitan government integration, could become a new model for balanced national development and a core pillar for South Korea's future growth.

In his opening remarks, Kim Nakgon, President of Gwangju MBC, stated, "This proclamation ceremony is not merely the beginning of administrative integration, but a declaration of a new community spirit," adding, "As a regional public broadcaster, we will stand beside citizens at the closest distance to ensure the success of the special city."

In his welcoming address, Jung Wonju, Chairman of Namdo Ilbo, said, "Namdo Ilbo has steadfastly upheld trust and principles while engaging with the local community," and added, "Going forward, we will responsibly point out shortcomings and become a reliable partner that opens the way for dialogue and compromise in the face of conflict, thereby supporting the successful settlement and leap forward of the special city."

In his keynote speech, Mayor Min Hyungbae presented a future vision by linking the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju with an 800 trillion won investment plan for the Honam semiconductor industry.

Mayor Min emphasized, "Jeonnam and Gwangju have come together as one, overcoming a long history of neglect and hardship," and stressed, "We now have a golden opportunity to become a major axis of growth that will shake up South Korea."

He continued, "The 800 trillion won investment in the Honam semiconductor industry is a national project that will redraw the industrial map of South Korea," and declared, "We will develop Jeonnam-Gwangju into the center of South Korea's industrial transformation."

Superintendent Kim Daejung stressed the importance of nurturing talent to support regional development.

Superintendent Kim stated, "The ultimate goal of the Jeonnam-Gwangju integration is to overcome the Seoul metropolitan-centric system and achieve balanced national development," adding, "We will shift the educational paradigm from achievement-based to growth-based education to foster 100,000 talented individuals who will drive regional development."

During the main presentations, strategies for regional growth through the AI and semiconductor industries were presented.

Im Moonyoung, a newly elected member of the National Assembly through a recent by-election, emphasized, "Building an AI innovation ecosystem and initiating a national AI-based transformation can begin in Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City," and added, "Spreading a successful regional model nationwide is the key to region-led growth."

Citizen journalist Lee Bongryeol from OhmyNews suggested, "Establishing a semiconductor cluster is not a matter of time, but of determination," and proposed, "With the launch of the Integrated Special City as a turning point, the government, companies, and local governments should act in unison to begin construction of the industrial complex within this year."

Meanwhile, this proclamation ceremony marked the first time since the launch of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City that regional leaders from various sectors gathered in one place to discuss strategies for future development, adding significance as they shared a vision for 'overwhelming growth' centered on the AI and semiconductor industries.

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