[Interview] Kim Dong-yeon, "Creating a Korean-style Silicon Valley"... Economic Vitality and Job Creation

"Establish Gyeonggi Buk-do to Develop Northern Gyeonggi as a Growth Hub of South Korea"
"Promote Political Reform to Eliminate and Fix Various Negative Aspects of Established Politics"

Kim Dong-yeon, Democratic Party of Korea Candidate for Gyeonggi Province Governor [Kim Dong-yeon Candidate Election Camp]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Kim Dong-yeon, former Deputy Prime Minister and candidate for Governor of Gyeonggi Province from the Democratic Party of Korea, launched the 'Blue 31 Grand March' campaign, aiming to create a stir by touring all 31 cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province. He also announced plans to declare regional visions within Gyeonggi Province.

In particular, he stated, "I will establish Gyeonggi Bukdo (Northern Gyeonggi Province) to make the northern part of Gyeonggi a growth hub of the Republic of Korea," adding, "As a border area adjacent to North Korea, I have a grand vision to develop northern Gyeonggi into a peace economy city."

He expressed confidence, saying, "I will revitalize Gyeonggi Province's economy through growth driven by innovation." Having entered politics less than a year ago, he revealed, "I started politics to reform it by eliminating and correcting many negative aspects of the established political system."

"We must elect people who will work properly, proven by their work, achievements, and track record in life," he appealed for support.

Our publication met candidate Kim Dong-yeon at an election campaign site to hear about his pledges and plans for the development of Gyeonggi Province to win the choice of Gyeonggi residents. [Editor's note]

- What is the current state of the Gyeonggi gubernatorial race and the key competitiveness that will decide the outcome?

"It is currently said to be a close race. Due to the new government's launch and factional disputes, it is being evaluated as tight. I believe the Gyeonggi governor election is not just about eloquence or reading speeches written by others, but about choosing a worker who delivers results and outcomes. So, the close race result is somewhat unexpected. I plan to appeal to the residents as a worker, not just a talker, with empathy that understands the hearts of ordinary people and residents, and competitiveness based on cleanliness, honesty, and integrity without any preferential treatment, parachute appointments, or hiring corruption."

- If elected, what pledges will you definitely fulfill during your term?

"Not only COVID-19 but various domestic and international economic conditions are challenging. The Bank of Korea has raised interest rates, and internationally, there is a phenomenon of recession accompanied by rising prices. If I become governor, first, I will revitalize Gyeonggi's economy through growth driven by innovation. I will create a startup paradise and establish several Korean-style Silicon Valleys to inject economic vitality and create many jobs. Second, I will give youth a chance. I will provide young people with job opportunities and a one-year youth period to develop themselves and try what they want. Third, the establishment of Gyeonggi Bukdo. Northern Gyeonggi has the greatest growth potential in Korea and must be recognized for the damages suffered over 70 years and compensated through large-scale investments. Also, in the era of peaceful coexistence and continental expansion, northern Gyeonggi's importance is significant. I will promote the establishment of Gyeonggi Bukdo during my term to make northern Gyeonggi the center of Korea's growth."

- Why did you raise the 'KT unfair hiring suspicion' issue against candidate Kim Eun-hye?

"Candidate Kim Eun-hye said, 'If you are not competent, you should be rejected.' This is a clear solicitation and contradicts the current government's policy advocating fairness and common sense, and it pierced the hearts of our youth. It undermines the value of fairness. The bigger problem is that at the Kwanhun Debate, she said she did not know the person and that such a thing never happened, but just half a day later, the public broadcaster aired the trial results, and she admitted it. It is a huge problem when elected officials or public servants lie. Including the lies, I think there are many problems, and she should tell the truth, apologize, and take necessary measures, but it seems she keeps lying, which is regrettable."

- Korean politics is increasingly experiencing deepening conflicts

"To summarize in one point, I think the root of the problem is the 'winner-takes-all' structure. Currently, in politics and election laws, the winner takes everything, and the loser loses everything, leading to fierce competition. In presidential elections, the winner takes all, and the loser loses all. Parliamentary elections use a single-member district plurality system. Local elections also show stark differences between winners and losers, leading to dirty election strategies such as negative campaigning and slandering opponents by any means. I have been in politics less than a year, and seeing this, I started politics to reform and eliminate such things, but it makes me strongly feel the need to change the political culture even more. During the last presidential election, I allied with candidate Lee Jae-myung and revealed several points in the agreement, including constitutional amendments to change the presidential system, election law and National Assembly law reforms, introduction of a national recall system, and abolition of parliamentary immunity. I believe that changing the election system and political system itself is the solution."

- What is the difference in Kim Dong-yeon as an administrator, governor, and educator?

"Kim Dong-yeon is one. The value I pursue is one. I have just taken different paths and methods to realize that value?as a public official, politician, and university president. The value I pursue remains unchanged. To pursue that value, I finished public service, completed my term as university president, and now plan to do my best as a politician."

- What would you like to say to the residents of Gyeonggi Province?

"Residents, please participate in voting. A Greek philosopher said that the greatest harm that can come when citizens are indifferent to politics is being ruled by the worst people. Please all participate together and express the voice and opinions of residents through your votes. Such collective intelligence changes Korea. Only then can the political world change, and Korea can develop. I hope you evaluate well. I believe true ability is conviction, accumulated capability, and built-up skills. Please all participate in voting and show the collective intelligence of Korean citizens and Gyeonggi residents. I believe I am the most suitable worker to change Gyeonggi Province by combining 34 years of national administration experience, the ability to empathize with ordinary people, and a clean public service career."

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