Heated Debate, Exchange, Criticism, Gyeongnam Governor Candidate Forum... Who Is the Next Governor?

Gadeokdo New Airport, Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Megacity, and the Three-Way Race Among Yang Mun-seok, Park Wan-su, and Yeo Young-guk

[Image source=KBS News Gyeongnam YouTube screen capture]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The KBS Changwon Bureau's Gyeongnam Governor Candidate Invitation Debate was broadcast live for 90 minutes from 7 p.m. on the 11th.

The debate featured Democratic Party candidate Yang Munseok, People Power Party candidate Park Wansu, and Justice Party candidate Yeo Youngguk, who clashed over policy directions in provincial administration and economic sectors.

The three candidates engaged in heated discussions on regional issues and controversies such as the Gadukdo New Airport and the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) Mega City, as well as candidate qualifications.

Park Wan-su, People Power Party candidate for Governor of Gyeongnam Province. [Image source=KBS News Gyeongnam YouTube screenshot]

Regarding the controversy over the feasibility of the Gadukdo New Airport project, candidate Park Wansu said, “The need for a Southeast region new airport and a gateway airport has been discussed for some time,” adding, “Since it is included in the new government's national agenda, the key is not to raise controversy but to prepare thoroughly and realize the optimal alternative.”

He added, “It will be a place where people, logistics, cargo, and information all converge,” and “It will become the center of business and create new added value.”

Ye Young-guk, Justice Party candidate for Governor of Gyeongnam Province.
[Image source=KBS News Gyeongnam YouTube screen capture]

Candidate Yeo Youngguk stated, “If last year's Busan mayoral by-election had not occurred, the Democratic Party would not have rushed the process,” arguing, “Political logic took precedence, and the project was pushed forward without questioning economic feasibility, making it a white elephant that requires a full reexamination.”

He opposed the project, saying, “The project cost is twice the estimate, but cargo and passenger demand are only about half of what was expected.”

Yang Moon-seok, Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Governor of Gyeongnam Province. [Image source=KBS News Gyeongnam YouTube screenshot]

In the subsequent topic discussion on the launch of the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Special Union Mega City, candidate Yang Munseok demanded a clear stance from candidate Park Wansu’s cautious approach.

“The Bu-Ul-Gyeong Mega City is not a political or intra-party primary issue but a matter of survival,” he said. “Either say you will not pursue the Mega City or actively cooperate.”

He added, “I strongly agree that Bu-Ul-Gyeong is a key element for balanced national development that can advance together,” and expressed dissatisfaction, saying, “I am very displeased that the new airport issue is being handled in a completely different way.”

Candidates Yang Mun-seok (left) and Park Wan-su in discussion. [Image source=KBS News Gyeongnam YouTube screenshot]

In response, candidate Park Wansu said, “The reality of the Mega City is a Bu-Ul-Gyeong special local government,” pointing out, “Gyeongnam is different from Busan, and there is no alternative included for the development of western Gyeongnam.”

He said, “Sufficient review of regulations and other matters is necessary to create a special local government,” and added, “If Bu-Ul-Gyeong forms a union, only infrastructure around Busan will be expanded, and development will be centered on Busan, so we must prepare thoroughly and approach this cautiously.”

Candidate Yeo Youngguk criticized, “Leaving the phenomenon where population, education, jobs, economy, and healthcare are all being sucked into the metropolitan area like a black hole as is, and just pushing forward the Bu-Ul-Gyeong Mega City is like pouring water into a bottomless jar.”

“However, strategic promotion of the Mega City is absolutely necessary to enhance industrial competitiveness, urban competitiveness, and quality of life,” he said.

All three candidates agreed on the need to reform local tax systems such as corporate tax, inheritance tax, and income tax to revitalize and benefit local areas, but their proposed reform plans differed somewhat.

Candidate Yang said, “If the metropolitan area and local tax rates become the same, attracting and retaining companies will be really difficult,” while candidate Park said, “We need to increase industry’s added value and ease business and regulations to revitalize energy and encourage more investment.”

Candidates Yang Mun-seok (left) and Yeo Young-guk in debate. [Image source=KBS News Gyeongnam YouTube screen capture]

Candidate Yeo argued that corporate tax cuts should be approached cautiously but that strong regulations on the metropolitan area should be implemented to relocate companies concentrated there to local areas.

Sharp exchanges continued during the verification of qualifications, policies, and pledges.

Candidate Yang strongly criticized People Power Party candidate Park Wansu, asking, “When you were mayor of Changwon, didn’t you blame Lee Ju-young for Robot Land and Hong Joon-pyo for the Bieumsan Tunnel?”

Candidate Yeo sarcastically said to candidate Park, “I worry about how you will lead the province with an anti-labor and exclusionary perspective in labor-centered Gyeongnam.”

Candidate Park Wansu in debate. [Image source=KBS News Gyeongnam YouTube screen capture]

Candidate Park responded, “At that time, I directly requested construction cost support from Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Lee Ju-young, but there was no active support,” and “Robot Land is managed by Gyeongnam Province, and I never blamed Hong Joon-pyo for the Bieumsan Tunnel,” urging them to know the facts accurately.

He criticized, “There is no democracy in the Democratic Party and no justice in the Justice Party,” adding, “Six members of the Justice Party voted entirely in favor of the ‘검수완박’ (complete prosecution reform) to cover up the previous administration’s corruption. Is the Justice Party really a party representing the underprivileged?”

The three candidates, sharpening their attacks against each other, sought support from the residents as the debate concluded.

Candidate Yeo Youngguk said, “While the need for care has increased in many areas due to the COVID disaster, the treatment of those who work steadfastly in harsh environments has not improved at all and has rather worsened,” adding, “Politics and administration are too neglectful and do not embrace these desperate voices.”

“While the confrontation between the two major parties has grown, politics that should accommodate diverse demands is disappearing, which is regrettable,” he said, urging, “Please break away from the past of alternating between the two major parties and choose Yeo Youngguk, who has worked on the residents’ side and will be a balancing force.”

Candidate Yang Munseok said, “Gyeongnam is known as a stronghold of the People Power Party, where even just putting a stick in can get you elected,” adding, “I hope Gyeongnam becomes a place close to the basic spirit of elections where normal competition is possible, where good candidates are supported and poor ones are removed.”

He said, “Since the Democratic Party entered provincial, city, and county councils, corruption has disappeared, and policy battles centered on voters have spread, creating positive effects and competitive party politics,” and asked, “Please help the Democratic Party clean up the stigma of being the People Power Party’s stronghold.”

Candidate Park Wansu said, “I know well what needs to be done for Gyeongnam and how to proceed,” pledging to ▲ actively attract corporate investment to recover the Gyeongnam economy and create jobs ▲ firmly protect the lives and safety of Gyeongnam residents ▲ eliminate welfare blind spots and realize customized welfare for each group ▲ promote Gyeongnam’s history and culture worldwide ▲ expand road, transportation, and railway infrastructure for balanced development in Gyeongnam.

He appealed for support, saying, “I will cooperate with the newly launched Yoon Seok-yeol government to restore Gyeongnam’s lost honor and make Gyeongnam stand tall in South Korea.”

Following the Gyeongnam governor candidate debate on the 11th, a Gyeongnam Superintendent of Education candidate invitation debate will be held at 7 p.m. on the 12th, where candidates Kim Sangkwon and Park Jonghun are expected to engage in a heated battle.

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