Kim Young-chun "Proposed 'Local New Deal' to the Blue House... Backpacking and Touring All Provinces to Study Regional Innovation"

Kim Young-chun, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Kim Young-chun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, "I will propose a 'Local New Deal' to the Blue House." Although he lost in the recent election, he is still considered one of the most prominent politicians in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (PK) region, being mentioned as a potential candidate for the next Busan mayor regardless of his own intentions. He argues that investment in local social overhead capital (SOC) must be included in the New Deal to achieve a fundamental transformation that prevents the collapse of the local economy.

He firmly stated that he will not run in the party convention. Instead, he plans a "Paldo Tour," traveling across the country using public transportation with a backpack. Through on-site inspections, he aims to learn ways to strengthen competitiveness tailored to the characteristics of each region.

In an interview with Asia Economy on the 14th, Kim said, "If the first priority of the New Deal is digital and the second is green, then the third must definitely be 'local.' This is not simply for the sake of local areas but is urgently needed for the overall national competitiveness. I plan to make such a proposal to the Blue House soon."

The Democratic Party secured only three seats in the Busan area, less than half of the previous seven seats. Although they promoted the PK Megacity concept and pledged to build a metropolitan railway network, these efforts ultimately did not have a significant effect. Many analyses also point to delays in the government's feasibility review of the Southeast region new airport construction as a contributing factor.

Kim emphasized, "While the trickle-down effect from the metropolitan area is spreading to Chungcheong and Gangwon regions due to the expansion of high-speed rail, Yeongnam and Honam are becoming increasingly marginalized and harder to live in. Local SOC projects are an important means of the New Deal. Establishing a foundation for local economic development can attract foreign companies and help solve unemployment issues."

Regarding the government's indecision on the construction of the Southeast region new airport, he expressed regret. Kim said, "The existing plan to expand Gimhae Airport is generally evaluated as problematic in terms of environmental and noise damage. Ultimately, it is about demand forecasting, and we need to focus on the effects of future regional development and virtuous cycles."

He believes that if an airport is built on Gadukdo, like Yeongjongdo, it will greatly activate industries such as logistics, distribution, and tourism in surrounding cities like Geoje and Jinhae.

Considering current population and competitiveness, the concentration in the metropolitan area and the decline of local regions are irreversible, so investment in local areas must be made from a national vision perspective. He believes the concept of the European Community (EC), the predecessor of the European Union (EU), should be introduced to the PK region. To this end, he plans to propose to the government the establishment of a joint secretariat where employees from each city and province are dispatched.

Personally, he is preparing a time for recharging and maturing. Kim said, "I plan to do the Paldo Tour for about three to four months," adding, "I want to study and inspect on-site the competitive sectors and administrations of each region, such as Gwangju's culture, Jeju's tourism, and Seoul's urban regeneration. I plan to travel using public transportation and guesthouses with a backpack."

Kim Young-chun, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

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