Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok Takes Swift Steps to Resolve Key Regional Issues

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, is making every effort to resolve key regional issues.

According to Jeonnam Province on the 21st, Governor Kim met consecutively at the National Assembly with Joo Ho-young, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, Lee Hak-young, Chair of the Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee (Democratic Party), and Seo Young-kyo, Chair of the Administration and Security Committee (Democratic Party), requesting support and cooperation for key regional issues.

During the meeting with Floor Leader Joo Ho-young, he explained three urgent special bills requiring enactment: the Korea Energy Technology University Act, the Yeosu-Suncheon October 19 Incident Special Act, and the Special Act for Supporting Local Extinction Crisis Areas, urging their swift enactment.

Governor Kim stated, “For the scheduled opening of Korea Energy Technology University in March 2022 to proceed without setbacks, it is urgent to secure university autonomy and stable financial resources,” and requested, “Please promptly enact the Korea Energy Technology University Act.”

He also emphasized, “There are 105 local extinction crisis areas nationwide, and the number continues to increase, making it difficult for local governments to respond on their own,” adding, “A special act containing national-level support measures such as capital gains tax exemption on rural housing for one household owning two houses and priority allocation to extinction crisis areas when relocating public institutions must be promoted.”

In response, Floor Leader Joo expressed his intention, saying, “As promised at the budget policy council held last November with People Power Party lawmakers and Jeonnam mayors and county heads, we will actively support these efforts.”

At the meeting with Lee Hak-young, Chair of the National Assembly Industry Committee, Governor Kim explained the need for prompt support on four items: the Korea Energy Technology University Act, the K-Immunity Biomedical Innovation Valley, the Green New Deal Jeonnam-type Win-Win Jobs, and others.

Governor Kim said, “Jeonnam is equipped with the nation’s only Hwasun Vaccine Industry Special Zone-centered medical infrastructure, enabling the establishment of an advanced medical service complex linking medical care, pharmaceuticals, and healing,” and added, “The ‘K-Immunity Biomedical Innovation Valley,’ which will serve as a national hub for infectious disease and intractable disease treatment, must be included as a preliminary feasibility study project.”

He further stated, “To establish a full-fledged foundation for the Green New Deal Jeonnam-type Win-Win Jobs that will lead the government’s Green New Deal success, a 50% national upfront investment in ‘joint transmission and distribution connection facilities’ and exemption from preliminary feasibility studies for the ‘Mokpo New Port support wharf and hinterland complex’ are necessary,” and requested, “Please actively support the establishment of the ‘Offshore Wind Power Development Support Headquarters,’ which will handle permits and approvals from multiple ministries in an integrated manner.”

At the meeting with Seo Young-kyo, Chair of the Administration and Security Committee, five proposals were made: the full revision of the Local Autonomy Act, the Yeosu-Suncheon October 19 Incident Special Act, the establishment of the Korea Island Promotion Agency in Jeonnam, and improvements related to local fiscal decentralization.

Governor Kim said, “The Local Autonomy Act has been fully revised for the first time in 32 years, laying the foundation for a revolutionary improvement of the local autonomy system and practical local self-government,” and requested, “The National Assembly should take the lead to ensure that long-standing local demands such as autonomous legislative power, autonomous organizational authority, and special provisions for cities, counties, and districts at risk of local extinction are promptly reflected in additional amendments or subordinate legislation.”

He also asserted, “The Yeosu-Suncheon October 19 Incident Special Act is currently under review by the first bill review subcommittee of the Administration and Security Committee and has held a legislative public hearing, but has never been examined even once,” adding, “Since most bereaved families have passed away or are elderly, it is urgent to pursue truth verification and honor restoration for the victims at the national level, making the prompt enactment of the special act important.”

Lee Hak-young, Chair of the Industry Committee, and Seo Young-kyo, Chair of the Administration and Security Committee, expressed their agreement on the necessity of promotion and reportedly stated their intention to provide maximum support.

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