Kim Young-chun: "If the ruling party promises Gadeokdo New Airport, I will run unconditionally... Need to consider whether to endorse"

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Kim Young-chun, Secretary General of the National Assembly and a candidate for Busan mayor, stated that he would run if the Democratic Party leadership firmly promises the Gadeokdo New Airport. Regarding the sentiment in Busan, he said it is "very unfavorable," and mentioned that because of this, a nomination rather than a primary election could contribute to the Democratic Party's victory.

On the morning of the 17th, Secretary General Kim appeared on CBS Radio and, regarding the delay in his declaration as a leading candidate of the ruling party, said, "It’s not about whether it’s a nomination or a primary. If the Democratic Party promises to handle the Gadeokdo New Airport in February, I will definitely run, regardless of any chances of winning or losing."

When asked, "If the Democratic Party firmly promises the Gadeokdo New Airport, will you run no matter if you lose or not?" he reiterated, "If the promise is not well made there, I am also considering not running." He also said, "If I run for mayor, I do not have the right to say to the local residents that we have made efforts, so please support us once and give us a chance to develop the region."

However, Secretary General Kim did not give a definite answer about running. When asked, "Have you not decided yet?" he replied, "Yes," adding, "If I can contribute to the development of Busan and political progress, I am willing to bear any cross. This is how I started, and I intend to judge and decide this matter in that context."

Regarding criticism that the Gadeokdo New Airport is an election ploy, Secretary General Kim countered, "This is not about doing it just because others are doing it. It is a desperate demand driven by a very urgent survival instinct."

He continued, "For the people of Busan, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan, their regional economy is based on heavy and chemical industries, which are increasingly losing competitiveness in this era. They desperately want to build an airport to attract new industries and create good jobs."

On recent public sentiment in Busan, including presidential and party approval ratings, he said, "It is very unfavorable." He added, "There is a more painful economic downturn in the provinces that Seoul and the metropolitan area do not feel. Because of this, people who are struggling hard want to blame someone, and that target is the president and the ruling party. In that sense, it is unfavorable."

Regarding opinions that the Busan mayoral candidate should be decided by nomination without a primary, he said, "If a primary can attract citizens' interest and attention, then a primary is appropriate." However, he added, "From the opposing side’s perspective, there was a by-election caused by Oh Keo-don, and after initially deciding not to field a candidate, they decided to field one again. Seeing you raise your hands and fight among yourselves does not look good. There is also such public opinion among citizens. The Democratic Party needs to consider the path that can contribute to victory."

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