Kim Won, Preliminary Candidate: "The Integration of Mokpo Maritime University and Incheon University Is a Betrayal to the Citizens of Mokpo"

Integration Promotion with Incheon National University Is an Act That Betrays the Responsibility of Regional Social Contribution

Kim Won-i, the Democratic Party of Korea's preliminary candidate for Mokpo City National Assembly member, held a press conference at 2 p.m. on the 20th in the Citizens' Room of the Mokpo City Council, demanding the withdrawal of the integration plan between the National Mokpo Maritime University and Incheon University.

At the press conference, candidate Kim Won-i explained, "Since its establishment in 1950, the National Mokpo Maritime University has played a pivotal role in Korea's maritime and shipping industries and is currently preparing to develop as a cradle for nurturing talent to make the southwestern region of Jeonnam, including Mokpo and Sinan, a hub for offshore wind power."

He continued, "While it is good to have a public forum for the university's future, I deeply regret that the citizens of Mokpo were excluded from the discussion process. The citizens of Mokpo have fully supported the National Mokpo Maritime University to lead industrial development in shipbuilding, maritime, and energy sectors. However, pushing for integration with Incheon University is a betrayal of the citizens of Mokpo. I also question whether this is the right solution," expressing his disappointment.

Democratic Party preliminary candidate Kim Won-i is holding a press conference in the Citizens' Room of Mokpo City Council.
[Photo by Kim Won-i preliminary candidate election office]

In particular, he pointed out, "Amid population decline and the crisis of local extinction, regional universities are seeking various strategies for survival. They aim to create a virtuous cycle of talent development, employment, entrepreneurship, and regional settlement. However, pursuing integration with a metropolitan area university is an irresponsible act that abandons the regional contribution responsibilities as a local base university."

Candidate Kim Won-i emphasized, "An 8.2GW offshore wind power complex is planned to be constructed in the Sinan area. This is a golden opportunity to make the southwestern region, including Mokpo and Sinan, the mecca of Korean offshore wind power," adding, "What we need to do is not to seek integration with a metropolitan university but to build an offshore wind power industrial ecosystem centered on the National Mokpo Maritime University and Mokpo National University."

He then strongly urged the members of the National Mokpo Maritime University, "Please focus on a future that coexists with local residents rather than immediate realities. Seek cooperation plans to develop the offshore wind power industry together with Mokpo City, Jeonnam Province, related local governments, offshore wind power institutions and companies, and the citizens of Mokpo."

Finally, he added, "The withdrawal of the integration plan between the National Mokpo Maritime University and Incheon University is a crucial issue tied to the survival of our region. I propose the announcement of a joint statement involving not only the Democratic Party preliminary candidates but also all parties and independent preliminary candidates."

Meanwhile, after concluding the press conference, candidate Kim Won-i visited the National Mokpo Maritime University and held a meeting with President Han Won-hee. At this meeting, he said, "Please listen to the concerns and worries of the citizens of Mokpo regarding this integration plan. As a National Assembly member for Mokpo City, I will spare no support to ensure that the National Mokpo Maritime University becomes a cradle for nurturing talent in offshore wind power generation."

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