Lee Byung-hoon: "Kwon Seong-dong, Please Provide Genuine Support Measures for Complex Shopping Malls Next Month"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Lee Byung-hoon, chairman of the Gwangju Metropolitan City branch of the Democratic Party of Korea, directly refuted Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, regarding his opinion on the Gwangju complex shopping mall.

Earlier, Floor Leader Kwon demanded that the Democratic Party clarify its position on the Gwangju complex shopping mall.

On the 5th, Chairman Lee stated, “The Democratic Party of Korea’s Gwangju branch does not oppose the entry of complex shopping malls into Gwangju,” adding, “We understand well the sentiments of the Gwangju citizens who wish for the entry of complex shopping malls, and because the profit-seeking activities of private companies should be protected within a fair market order.”

He then urged Floor Leader Kwon, “Please refrain from interfering in corporate activities and instead consider how you can help,” emphasizing, “Currently in Gwangju, three major corporations?Hyundai, Lotte, and Shinsegae?are fiercely competing to enter the complex shopping mall market. These companies have been preparing for a long time, and since the opportunity has arisen, they are naturally reviewing the possibility of entry.”

He also claimed, “What support have the government and the People Power Party provided for the entry of complex shopping malls? Although the scale of budget support was controversial at the budget policy meeting between the People Power Party and Gwangju held last July, after the People Power Party coldly rejected it, I have not heard of any alternative proposals.”

Furthermore, he demanded, “Leave the issue of entry, while seeking ways to coexist with the region, to the respective companies and Gwangju Metropolitan City, and the People Power Party should consider and implement what support it can provide.”

Along with this, he said, “If there is sincerity in the interest in the complex shopping mall, please support other pending issues in Gwangju,” emphasizing, “Gwangju needs support for various projects and issues at the city level to create future growth engines, and government and ruling party support is necessary for the establishment of a semiconductor specialized complex, relocation of the military airport, construction of the Dalbit inland railway, and development as a leading city in future automotive mobility.”

He also explained, “While the entry of complex shopping malls is necessary, Gwangju could be reduced to a consumption city if that is all there is,” adding, “Gwangju must develop into a metropolitan hub city where abundant jobs, a pleasant residential environment, and high-quality cultural and leisure activities coexist, centered on AI, semiconductors, and future mobility.”

Finally, he added, “Please prove that the words about Gwangju are not mere lip service but have sincerity,” concluding, “That is what Gwangju truly wants.”

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