Mayor Kang Ki-jung: "Honam Sentiment Is Not About Competition Between the Democratic Party and Cho Kuk Innovation Party"

"Honam's Top Priority Is Industrial Policy and Livelihood Issues"
"Voters Will Choose the Side That Supports the Success of the Lee Jaemyung Administration"

Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung dismissed the notion of competition between the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and the Democratic Party of Korea in next year's election, stating on the 2nd, "From the perspective of Honam, predictions that the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and the Democratic Party of Korea will compete in next year's election are idle talk."

Kang Gijeong, mayor of Gwangju, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the World Archery Congress held at the Kim Daejung Convention Center in Gwangju on the morning of the 2nd, attended by archery delegations from 105 countries worldwide. Provided by Gwangju City

Appearing on MBC Radio's "Kwon Soonpyo's News High Kick" that day, Mayor Kang responded to a question about Honam's sentiment toward the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, saying, "Honam is a region of democracy, but now the greatest demand is for people to be able to make a living." He added, "Young people are leaving, and although several progressive governments have been formed, lives have not changed, so there is much concern about industrial policy."

He stated, "Political competition between the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and the Democratic Party of Korea is merely the talk of political enthusiasts and not the core concern of the people of Honam." He continued, "We are considering how to ensure the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration and how to develop Gwangju's industrial policies."

Referring to the example of Munich, Germany, Mayor Kang said, "Citizens of Bavaria responded that it doesn't matter which party dominates as long as they are able to live well," and assessed, "It seems that only those highly engaged in politics are discussing competition between the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and the Democratic Party of Korea."

Regarding the outlook for next year's election, he said, "People in Honam hope that the Lee Jaemyung administration will invest steadily in the development of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province for five years," and added, "From this perspective, Honam will hope for the success of the administration and will choose to support stability in government."

On the possibility of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party performing well in next year's local elections, he remarked, "To do well, you need people," and analyzed, "The recent victory in the Damyang county by-election was the result of a Cho Kuk Innovation Party candidate running amid discord during the Democratic Party of Korea's nomination process."

Regarding the presidential town hall meeting held last June, he said, "I was prepared to discuss Gwangju's policies with the president, but I did not fully understand the intent," and added, "Given the absolute power of the president, it is difficult to raise issues, so I felt that a discussion format involving a large group was not appropriate."

In his evaluation of the president's governance, Mayor Kang emphasized, "Unlike former President Lee Myungbak, who moved from Cheonggyecheon to the Four Major Rivers Project, President Lee Jaemyung is implementing policies focused on people's livelihoods," and stressed, "Ahead of next year's local elections, a constitutional amendment to revive local autonomy is necessary."

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