Kim Kyungsoo: "Next Year's Goals Are Allocation of Strategic Industries by Region, Establishment of Metropolitan Public Transportation Networks"

Kim Kyungsoo Outlines Three Key Goals for Next Year’s “Five Poles and Three Special Zones” Strategy
Press Conference with Chairman Kim Kyungsoo of the Local Era Committee
On Candidacy Rumors: “It Is My Duty to Follow the Party’s Request”

Kim Kyungsoo, Chairman of the Local Era Committee, identified three main goals for next year under the government’s “Five Poles and Three Special Zones Strategy”: the allocation of strategic industries by region, the establishment of metropolitan public transportation networks, and the improvement of living conditions.

During a press conference held in the Sejong area on November 3, Chairman Kim stated, “The first goal for next year is to enable strategic industries, especially future high-tech companies, to invest in local areas.” The Five Poles and Three Special Zones Strategy is a balanced growth policy centered on five major metropolitan regions-Seoul Metropolitan Area, Southeast Region, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Region, Central Region, and Honam Region-and three special self-governing provinces: Jeju, Gangwon, and Jeonbuk.

Kim Kyungsoo, Chairman of the Local Era Committee, is explaining the balanced growth policy of 5 regions and 3 special zones at a press conference with the press corps. Provided by the Local Era Committee

He explained, “When a strategic industry is selected, we are developing an integrated support package that includes nurturing talent, R&D, and regulatory issues. From the perspective of companies, investment in local regions is only possible if the government promises to resolve talent issues at the regional level.”

As the second goal for next year, he mentioned the expansion of metropolitan public transportation networks by region. The idea is that even if companies and talent are attracted to a region, a connected transportation network-like that of the Seoul Metropolitan Area-is necessary for them to actually live and work there. Chairman Kim said, “The establishment of regional metropolitan public transportation networks must be confirmed as government policy. We intend to include railway networks, road networks, and BRT in the government’s mid- to long-term plans.”

Chairman Kim selected the improvement of living conditions as the final goal. He stated, “Universities’ talent development, education from childcare to elementary, middle, and high schools, and medical services must all be integrated. Not only cities and provinces, but also cities and counties should be grouped by smaller regions.”

Regarding the ongoing discussions about administrative integration in areas such as Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, he reaffirmed the “cooperation first, integration later” approach. Chairman Kim said, “This administration actively supports local governments in autonomously pursuing administrative integration. The issue is that administrative integration takes time. While we will pursue integration in parallel, projects that are urgently needed should be quickly implemented as regional cooperation projects.”

He further pointed out that discussions on the administrative integration of Mokpo, Shinan, and Muan have been stalled for 30 years due to local opposition at different times. He said, “While continuing discussions on administrative integration, we are persuading stakeholders that by forming a special local government through the union of these three cities and counties, and promoting education, medical, and transportation issues as cooperative projects, support can be provided to those areas first.”

Regarding a possible run in next year’s local elections, he stated, “As a party member, it is a basic duty to comply if the party requests it due to various situations. That is my fundamental position.”

He added, “Among all regions, the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam area is politically and economically important for both our party and the nation. Having served as Governor of South Gyeongsang Province and not being able to complete my term, I feel a sense of responsibility and indebtedness to the people. If there is a role I must play, I believe it is my basic duty as a politician to fulfill it in any way I can.”

However, Chairman Kim also emphasized his internal role within the Local Era Committee. He said, “It is not appropriate to say now whether I will run in the local elections or not, but I believe that being Chairman of the Local Era Committee suits me well. Achieving tangible results with the current administration’s Five Poles and Three Special Zones Strategy is my most important role at this time.”

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