Democratic Party Gwangju Committee: "Welcoming Prime Minister Kim Minseok’s Visit... Government Must Support Local Issues"

The Gwangju Metropolitan City Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea welcomed Prime Minister Kim Minseok’s visit to Gwangju on the 26th and urged the government to take responsible action to expand the foundation for future industries and restore the local economy.

Prime Minister Kim Minseok delivers a commemorative speech at the Development Cooperation Day ceremony held on the 25th at the Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

In a statement released that day, the Gwangju committee said, "This visit provides an opportunity to directly assess Gwangju’s economic situation and future industrial challenges, and to review the government’s role in regional development," adding, "Practical support is needed to address Gwangju’s pending issues."

Prime Minister Kim began his visit by paying respects at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery, followed by visits to Kia Autoland, Dongcheondong local commercial district, and Songjeong Market. The committee stated, "Gwangju stands at a turning point in the transition to the future automotive industry," and emphasized, "Cooperation between the government and businesses is urgently needed at this time."

The committee further noted, "This visit serves as an opportunity to review the potential for expansion into AI-based autonomous mobility," and stated, "The transition of Kia Autoland to a future vehicle production system is a key issue that directly affects the region’s industrial structure and employment."

The committee referenced President Lee Jaemyung’s national policy principle that ‘special sacrifice deserves special compensation,’ stressing, "Korean democracy was built upon the historic sacrifice of May 18. The nation must respond with responsible support."

They also expressed hope that "the Prime Minister’s visit will strengthen Gwangju’s foundation for future industries and become a turning point for the local economy," and urged the government to take an active role in securing next year’s national budget and resolving key issues.

The committee added, "Gwangju is a symbol of Korean democracy," and emphasized, "Sincere cooperation from the government will make Gwangju’s future even stronger."

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