Yoon Seok-yeol Finds PK for Second Day... Lowers Tone of Remarks, Bets on Pledges (Comprehensive)

Visitation and Economic Activities, Communication with Citizens
New Pledges Including Exemption from Preliminary Feasibility Study for Gadeokdo New Airport

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Busan= Reporter Park Jun-yi] Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, who visited the PK region (Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam) for a 1-night, 2-day schedule, emphasized Busan's economic issues during his visits to Busan and Ulsan on the 15th. Although his demeanor was calmer compared to previous regional schedules, he attempted a strategic move by presenting new pledges such as exempting the preliminary feasibility study for the construction of Gadeokdo New Airport.

As his first schedule that morning, Candidate Yoon visited the Memorial Tower for Fallen Seamen located in Yeongdo-gu, Busan, to pay respects. After the visit, he said, "I have relieved a heavy burden on my heart," and wrote in the guestbook, "We will not forget the sacrifice and dedication of the heroic seamen who pioneered the seas." Following his visit to the March 15 Democratic Cemetery the previous day, he began his day at a historical site.

Next, he participated in the "New Maritime Power Vision Declaration Ceremony" at the Busan Port Passenger Terminal Convention Center in Dong-gu, Busan, where he received policy proposals from the maritime and fisheries industry. There, Candidate Yoon said, "Busan is the pride of South Korea," adding, "During every upheaval in history, Busan has been the force that saved South Korea." He promised to foster environmentally friendly and safe maritime and fisheries industries and to strengthen the establishment of smart digital infrastructure.

Candidate Yoon also made a strategic move with new regional pledges for Busan. In the afternoon, at the Victory Resolution Rally of the Election Committee held in Busan, he announced regional pledges including ▲ exemption from the preliminary feasibility study for the construction of Gadeokdo New Airport ▲ early completion of the Bukhang redevelopment project ▲ creation of a 30-minute living zone in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam area through the construction of the Bu-Ul-Gyeong GTX ▲ relocation of KDB Industrial Bank to Busan ▲ and hosting the 2030 World Expo.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In the afternoon, Candidate Yoon moved to Ulsan via metropolitan railway, increasing his contact with citizens. The previous day, he had also greeted people on the street during rush hour at Seomyeon Station in Busan. On this day, he was surrounded by citizens while passing from Ilgwang Station in Gijang-gun, Busan, to Taehwagang Station in Ulsan. He took photos with citizens, spoke directly with them, and engaged in conversations by asking questions such as "Where is your hometown?" and "Where did you have lunch?"

At the Ulsan Election Committee Victory Resolution Rally, he promised ▲ active support for the advanced industrialization of the automobile and shipbuilding sectors ▲ promotion of the construction of Ulsan Medical Center ▲ establishment of UNIST Medical Science Institute ▲ early commencement of metropolitan railway in the Ulsan area ▲ and preservation of the Bangudae Petroglyphs.

Candidate Yoon delivered his speech with a calmer attitude compared to previous regional schedules. This was notably different from his strong remarks during his visit to Daegu and Gyeongbuk on the 30th of last month, where he said things like, "Are these people crazy?" and "I would rather die standing than live kneeling."

Also, unlike before when he traveled by private car, he traveled by group tour bus with election committee officials. An election committee official explained this by saying, "Candidate Yoon is trying to show a renewed image."

After the event, Candidate Yoon told reporters about his visit to the PK region, "Since becoming the party's candidate, except for visiting Busan on December 4th, I have not been able to visit the PK region," adding, "Coincidentally, with the launch of the Bu-Ul-Gyeong election committee, I wanted to hear about the difficulties of the industry and deliver a message to the citizens of this region."

Regarding the Busan regional pledges, when asked, "If the Gadeokdo New Airport does not pass the preliminary feasibility study or if the minister opposes it, will you still exempt the feasibility study?" he replied, "Yes," adding, "The Gadeokdo New Airport is now an irreversible national policy decision. If so, we must quickly and promptly complete the Gadeokdo New Airport and rapidly establish the connecting transportation facilities and related infrastructure." Regarding the relocation of the Industrial Bank to Busan, he stated, "I will persuade the National Assembly well to promote the re-amendment of the Korea Development Bank Act."

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