Lee Jae-myung Announces Gwangju and Jeonnam Pledges... "Making Honam a Leader in Energy and the 4th Industrial Revolution"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, the leading presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, announced on the 13th that he will develop the Honam region into a hub for the 4th Industrial Revolution and energy transition industries, as well as a base for tourism and food industries.

On the same day, Lee held a press conference at his campaign office to reveal these pledges. He emphasized, “Gwangju and Jeonnam, the sacred grounds of democratization, are my spiritual mentors,” adding, “As a former child laborer who lived without knowing the truth of Gwangju, I was awakened and inspired to live a life dedicated to the underprivileged.” He stated, “We are now in an era of great transformation,” and explained, “In this new era shaped by the climate crisis-driven energy transition, the technological revolution-led digital transformation, and the COVID-19 pandemic, crisis and opportunity coexist.” He further added, “Together with the citizens of Gwangju and residents of Jeonnam, who played a key role in overcoming national crises, I will turn the challenges of this great transformation into opportunities for development and leap forward.”

Lee plans to make the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions leading areas for energy transition industries and the 4th Industrial Revolution. To this end, he promised △early realization of the Sinan-Yeosu offshore wind power complex △implementation of renewable energy-based resident income models such as ‘Sunlight Pension’ and ‘Wind Pension’ △joint hosting of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Yeongnam and Honam in 2023 △creation of a space launch vehicle industry cluster in Goheung. Additionally, he stated, “I will support the establishment of a super-regional energy economy community promoted locally, and nurture Korea Energy University in Naju into a world-class university focused on climate and energy.”

Lee also pledged to develop the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions into centers for cultural, marine, and ecological tourism industries as well as agricultural and livestock food industries. He said, “I will transform the islands of Jeonnam, a treasure trove of ecological and cultural resources, into world-class tourist and leisure destinations with themes and healing,” and “I will support the restoration of the brilliant ancient Mahan historical culture and the development of the Yeongsan River waterfront area into a national garden.” He also mentioned, “By expanding the distribution of smart farms, I will establish a resource-circulating livestock community and advance the fisheries industry to make Jeonnam a hub for high-quality seaweed and shellfish.”

Furthermore, he pledged to focus on regional long-standing projects such as △promoting the establishment of a medical school in Jeollanam-do △early completion of the second phase of the Honam High-Speed Railway project △promotion of the Jeolla Line high-speed railway △early commencement of the Dalbit Inland Railway △resolving the Gwangju military airport issue.

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