Lee Jin-bok "I will completely change Busan"... Officially announces candidacy for Busan mayor

"Moon Administration, Take Responsibility for Gadeokdo New Airport"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jin-bok, who officially announced his candidacy for next year's Busan mayoral by-election, stated on the 19th, "An unthinkable and terrible incident occurred involving former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don. The most common thing I have heard in Busan is that there is no hope," adding, "I will completely change Busan."

On the same day, Lee said at the 'Forum for a Better World' (Mapo Forum), led by former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Moo-sung, "Citizens of Busan are still disappointed with this administration and understand well why former Mayor Oh left. If we respond properly, we can achieve excellent results."

Lee also stated, "To transform Busan into a place full of hope, we must stop the population decline," and added, "I had late-night discussions with young people and deeply felt how different our views on the nation and society are."

He emphasized, "To prevent people from moving to Seoul, Busan must invest in everything. Policies should be made to allow children who attended elementary, middle, and high schools in Busan to attend universities in Busan," and continued, "It is important to provide incentives for those who take exams for national institutions or mid-sized companies in Busan and to attract the companies they want."

He further added, "There are young people who cannot afford to get married," and said, "Let the banks create products, and Busan City should subsidize the interest so that the full deposit for rental housing can be loaned. We will ensure that lack of money does not prevent people from getting married."

Regarding the Gadeokdo New Airport, Lee said, "This government is shamelessly good at doing the wrong things and quickly backing out as if nothing happened. If neither Gadeokdo nor Gimhae Airport is developed, what will Busan gain?" He added, "That is why Gadeokdo must be taken responsibility for. They have taken votes from Busan citizens and mocked them; what will happen if they do nothing?"

Lee also said, "We have made Gadeokdo a campaign promise twice. I hope we do not get caught up in the government's strategy," and added, "Busan people are now saying they don't know what to think because too much time has been wasted on whether it is Gadeok or Gimhae."

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