[Interview] Kim Mi-ae, United Party Candidate, "Sustainable Development Needed for Future Children"

Kim Mi-ae, preliminary candidate for Haeundae-eul of the United Future Party (Photo by Kim Jong-hyo).

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jonghyo] Kim Mi-ae, the United Future Party candidate for Haeundae-eul (former party committee chair), emphasized Busan City's "future-oriented and sustainable development." Kim argues that if only a specific area is developed to revive a deteriorated city, it will inevitably face limitations due to disharmony with the surrounding environment.

In an interview with Asia Economy on the 25th, Kim said, "All infrastructure such as housing, environment, and education must be developed in harmony with the Centum 2 District development zone so that citizens can enjoy it." She pointed out that although anyone can break ground on a project that has been planned for over a decade, if the person involved does not have the philosophy and conviction regarding the Centum 2 District development, it will ultimately become an "eyesore."

In fact, the Haeundae-eul electoral district is more underdeveloped compared to Haeundae-gap. The glamorous image that comes to mind when thinking of "Haeundae" is not present there. This is also why local residents have high expectations for the Centum 2 District development.

Former candidate Kim said, "The Haeundae-eul district is experiencing rapid population outflow and aging," adding, "We need to make it a city where young people want to come through improvements in jobs, housing, and education." This implies that the development of surrounding living infrastructure must accompany the Centum 2 District development to attract young people, and only then can sustainable urban regeneration be possible.

Kim began working as a female laborer at the Haeundae Textile Factory in her teens, ran a restaurant in her twenties, and became a human rights lawyer in her thirties.

As a single mother who adopted and raised two children, she has a special interest in marginalized groups. She especially referred to children as "the most vulnerable beings," showing deep affection.

Former Chair Kim emphasized, "Children have no voice and no one to represent them. Someone must represent the children," adding, "Only by establishing a system where children can grow up safely and healthily until adulthood, so they can become pillars of our society, can sustainable growth be achieved."

She also cited the revision of the Special Adoption Act, issues with child foster care, and a full investigation of orphanages as her personal long-term projects.

Kim Mi-ae, preliminary candidate for Haeundae-eul of the United Future Party (Photo by Kim Jong-hyo).

Regarding the recent socially contentious Nth Room case, she pointed out it is due to a "lack of education." Kim said, "Respect and neglect are different. It is now time to establish values on these matters," raising her voice, "Not only homes and schools but society as a whole must lead this education proactively."

She continued, "In the past, there was much consideration and sharing among people. Now, those aspects seem to have largely disappeared," adding, "Those called leaders of society are promoting division. Politicians must take responsibility."

She also expressed difficulties as an opposition party member. Kim said, "The ruling party ignores the opposition and makes no effort to cooperate. They should strive to unite the people, but they seem unwilling," criticizing, "The biggest mistake of this administration is dividing the people."

Looking at the Haeundae-eul district reminds her of her 17-year-old self working as a female laborer. Kim said, "Despite desperate hardships, there were many warm and good people, so I was able to achieve my dreams," adding, "I want to build the Haeundae-eul district like my life, which has been honest and principled without tricks. I want to create a strong support system for our children."

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