Geum Kwangyeon, Hanam City Council Chairman, Joins Population Issue Awareness Campaign

In the Era of Population Decline, Hanam Experiences a Population Surge
Emphasizing the Importance of Developing Policies Reflecting Local Characteristics
Geum Kwangyeon: "We Will Actively Participate in Solving Population Issues with Full Legislative Capacity and a Responsible Attitude"

Geum Kwangyeon, chairman of Hanam City Council, participated in the "Population Issue Awareness Improvement Relay Campaign" on the 28th.

Geum Kwangyeon, chairman of Hanam City Council, participated in the "Population Issue Awareness Improvement Relay Campaign" on the 28th and is taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Hanam City Council

This campaign, jointly organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Human Resources Development Institute for Health and Welfare, began in October last year based on the declaration, "A Korea where children are happy, young people nurture hope, and the elderly find fulfillment." It has been carried out in a relay format with participation from government ministries, local governments, and public institutions.

Geum Kwangyeon stated, "In 2021, the warning by David Coleman, a professor at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, that 'Korea will be the first country on earth to disappear,' was truly shocking. In fact, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 89 out of 243 basic local governments nationwide were designated as population decline areas in 2021. Now, the population issue has become a key factor that determines the growth and survival of both the nation and local communities."

He went on to emphasize, "In this era of regional extinction, Hanam is experiencing a population increase. It is a critical moment when we must gather wisdom and create change together?across the council, the executive branch, and civil society?to develop sustainable policies and build a community that reflects local characteristics through practical and responsible responses."

Geum Kwangyeon also remarked, "Population decline is directly linked to decreases in local taxes such as resident tax and local income tax, and it has a direct impact on the local economy. Recalling Adam Smith's 'The Wealth of Nations,' which states that 'the increase in population is the clearest indicator of a country's prosperity and survival,' Hanam City Council will continue to consider ways to actively participate and contribute to solving population issues by utilizing our legislative capabilities and maintaining a responsible attitude."

Meanwhile, Geum Kwangyeon participated in this campaign after being nominated by Lee Jiseok, chairman of Gwangmyeong City Council, and in turn nominated Nam Changsu, chairman of Hanam City Residents' Autonomy Council, and Yoon Taegil, member of Gyeonggi Provincial Council, as the next participants.

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