Governor Kim Youngrok's Vigorous Efforts to Secure National Funding Draw Attention

Meetings with Second Vice Minister Im Kigeun and Budget Committee Secretary Lee Soyoung
Introduction of Key Jeonnam Projects... Discussions on Building an AI Energy Future City

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, held a meeting with Lee Soyoung, Democratic Party Whip of the National Assembly Budget Committee, at the National Assembly in Seoul on the 13th. After requesting support to ensure that the key projects with increased budgets for 2026 are reflected without any setbacks, he conveyed the major pending project proposals of Jeonnam. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, continued his active efforts to secure national funding for 2026 by meeting with Im Kigeun, the Second Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance, and Lee Soyoung, Democratic Party Secretary of the National Assembly Budget Committee, over two days until the 13th.

On November 12, Governor Kim met with Second Vice Minister Im in Yeouido, Seoul, and expressed his gratitude for the special attention given to Jeonnam despite challenging fiscal conditions. He stated, "I hope that Jeonnam's key projects, which are poised to become the backbone of regional balanced development and national growth, will be reflected without fail during the National Assembly's budget increase phase."

On the 13th, at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, he met with Budget Committee Secretary Lee and explained, "Jeonnam is currently in discussions with SK and OpenAI to establish a data center, laying the foundation to become a core hub for Korea's AI industry." He further emphasized, "As President Lee Jaemyung said, 'Special sacrifices deserve special rewards.' I ask for your active support as the ruling party secretary to help create a turning point for Jeonnam's development."

During these meetings, Governor Kim outlined ten major projects proposed for increased National Assembly funding, including: ▲ Phase 2 of the Honam High-Speed Railway (73.1 billion won), ▲ Expansion of National Road No. 15 between Goheung and Bongrae to four lanes (13 billion won), ▲ Establishment of the National Seaweed Industry Promotion Institute (1 billion won), ▲ Creation of an AI-based advanced livestock convergence valley (500 million won), ▲ Development of a digital-based resource circulation pilot industrial complex (4 billion won), and ▲ Construction of the Jeonnam 5·18 Memorial Hall and Community Center (500 million won). He requested cooperation from both the government and the ruling party.

Governor Kim also stated, "We will develop Solaseado into a model city symbolizing carbon neutrality and energy independence, creating a 'Korean-style AI Energy Future City.' Bold support and institutional reforms at the government level are needed." He also proposed an increase in the budget related to the development of the Solaseado corporate city.

He added, "Jeonnam has the greatest potential to drive national core industries such as marine, energy, and AI, and to lead Korea's balanced development. We will make 2026 a year of great progress, moving beyond the era of 10 trillion won in national funding and preparing for the next 100 years."

Jeonnam Province reflected 9.4 trillion won in the government's budget proposal in August, a 6% increase from the previous year, and is accelerating its Jeonnam-style future growth strategy by linking various national projects such as the construction of the National Maritime and Fisheries Museum, selection of Yeojaman as a candidate for the National Marine Ecological Park preliminary feasibility study, negotiations with SK and OpenAI for a data center, and the promotion of the Solaseado corporate city.

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