Min Hyungbae Stresses "No Instability in Public Sector"... Simultaneous Push for Semiconductor, Culture, and Welfare Policies

Key Issues Reviewed at First Expanded Executive Meeting
Organizational Restructuring Draft Completed; Decisive Action Needed for Medical School Integration

Min Hyungbae, Mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City, presented the creation of the Southwest Semiconductor Mega Cluster and tangible integration that citizens can feel as the two main priorities at the first expanded executive meeting following the launch of the Integrated Metropolitan City.

In his opening remarks at the first expanded executive meeting held at the Muan Government Building on July 29, Mayor Min said, "We are at an important point where we need to design everything anew, and there are two major tasks to tackle. One is the project to build the semiconductor cluster in the southwest, and the other is ‘proper integration’."

Min Hyungbae, mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City, is presiding over an expanded executive meeting at the Muan Office on the morning of the 29th. Photo by Jeonnam Gwangju TV

Regarding the semiconductor mega project, Mayor Min instructed for active administrative support, saying, "We must establish a strong practical support system such as a semiconductor industry support team to back up the government's pace, and, if necessary, we may need to move even faster than the government itself."

On the controversial issue of relocating the Gwangju military airport, he made it clear that it can be promoted independently from the semiconductor project.

Mayor Min stated, "Although the construction of a semiconductor manufacturing fab within the military airport site is very closely related, the airport relocation issue can proceed along a completely separate track."

Regarding conflicts within the public sector over organizational restructuring, he explained, "The draft is nearly complete, and we are gathering opinions from experts, labor unions, and other stakeholders. The process is proceeding at a pace that even I find surprising. Given that we are reorganizing two metropolitan governments, this level of disagreement and commotion is entirely natural and expected."

He went on to emphasize, "Regardless of reorganization plans, you must carry out your current responsibilities without disruption. Please ensure that no one claims the public sector has come to a halt."

Furthermore, Mayor Min stated, "The standard for designing the organization is the citizens," and asked, "Please promote the reorganization to deliver faster and higher-quality administrative services to the citizens, and to enhance the overall competitiveness of the Integrated Metropolitan City."

He also presented a direction for welfare policy.

Mayor Min remarked, "It is important to reduce welfare disparities among regions so that everyone can enjoy the same level of welfare services no matter where they live," and instructed, "Please carefully compare and analyze the previous welfare policies of Jeonnam and Gwangju and turn them into realistic, actionable plans."

Regarding the proposal to establish a National Medical School in Jeonnam, Mayor Min said, "We cannot measure citizens' lives by the university’s timeline," urging, "If a lack of integration leads to the failure of the medical school or a university hospital, both universities will have to take responsibility."

Concerning the operation of the Asia Culture Center (ACC), he ordered a review on whether to maintain national direct management or to transfer operational rights to a foundation supported by government funding. He also suggested expanding the Asia Culture Hub City project from Gwangju to the entirety of Jeonnam Province.

In addition, he called for a prompt re-examination of both the use of 100 billion won in annual balanced regional development funding sourced from government integration support, and the plan to convert Jeonnam Development Corporation into Jeonnam Gwangju Energy Corporation.

Finally, Mayor Min stressed, "With the extreme heat, there is widespread concern for the daily lives and health of citizens," and requested, "Please thoroughly review safety management for vulnerable groups and areas to ensure there are no gaps."

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