Amid Opposition's Efforts in Honam, Moon Visits Gunsan... Cheong: "A Walk for Livelihood Economy" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in attended the Hyundai Heavy Industries Gunsan Shipyard reactivation agreement ceremony on the 24th and encouraged company and local officials. Amidst the volatile public sentiment in Honam ahead of the presidential election, the Blue House explained President Moon's visit to Honam as "a move to focus on the livelihood economy."

At the ceremony, President Moon expressed his great pleasure that the reactivation of the Gunsan Shipyard was made possible as a result of the city of Gunsan's efforts not to give up on its main industry, shipbuilding, unlike the "Tears of Malmo."

He also stated that regardless of his term, the government plans to concentrate policy support to restore the shipbuilding industry ecosystem in the Gunsan and Jeonbuk regions.

The Gunsan Shipyard had ceased operations in July 2017 due to the shipbuilding industry downturn, but after continuous dialogue and efforts among companies, the government, and local governments, it was agreed to resume operations starting January 2023.

So far, the government has supported the Gunsan and Jeonbuk industrial ecosystem to prevent its collapse by expanding measures such as strengthening cooperation between shipbuilding and shipping industries and financial support through the establishment of "Regional Support Measures due to the Suspension of Gunsan Shipyard Operations," and plans to continue sustained support for the reactivation.

This visit is particularly notable as it took place while the opposition parties are focusing on winning "30% of the vote" by courting public sentiment in Honam. Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party candidate, visited Gunsan on the 22nd and the birthplace of the late former President Kim Dae-jung on the 23rd to appeal to Honam voters.

The Blue House explained that this visit is part of efforts to address the livelihood economy. A Blue House official said, "We have repeatedly said this is a 'government without a final year,' and it means continuing efforts to manage quarantine and the livelihood economy until the very end."

He added, "The decision to reactivate Hyundai Heavy Industries' Gunsan Shipyard is timely. President Moon has continuously expressed interest in the Gunsan Shipyard and had also mentioned that he would visit upon its reactivation."

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