Kang Gijeong Declares "Prosperous Gwangju" at Book Launch, Kicking Off Election Campaign

Future Vision to Be Unveiled at DJ Center on December 14

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong will hold a book launch event at the Kim Daejung Convention Center on December 14, marking the official start of his preparations for next year's local elections. Through his book titled "Gwangju, a More Dramatic Second Appearance Than the First," he proposes a "leap from a city of democracy to a prosperous city," aiming to rally his supporters and broaden his base.

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong Book Launch Web Poster.

Mayor Kang stated, "If the first Gwangju was a city of democracy, the second Gwangju must emerge as a prosperous city," pointing out that the sacrifices made in the spirit of Gwangju have not yet led to prosperity. He emphasized, "The pride of Gwangju citizens should be explained not by the sacrifices of history, but by the quality of life and prosperity they enjoy today."

The future vision he presents is for a "prosperous Gwangju." He explained, "Prosperity is the power to create growth engines through industry and jobs, while strength means inclusion and institutions that support citizens' lives," highlighting the importance of balancing growth and welfare.

Mayor Kang assesses that over the past three years, his administration has made care and welfare policies a reality. He introduced several nationwide first policies such as Gwangju Integrated Care, the Public Nighttime Children's Hospital, and G-Pass, and promoted high-impact policies under the banner of "care democracy."

In the industrial sector, he has laid the foundation for urban transformation by opening the National AI Data Center, attracting the National Future Vehicle Industrial Complex, collaborating with over 350 AI companies, promoting the establishment of the Hyundai Gwangju Complex Mall, and advancing discussions on the relocation of the military airport.

Building on these achievements, Mayor Kang is proposing the "AX Growth Model." This plan aims to combine AI with existing industries such as automotive, healthcare, and energy, to establish a National AI Semiconductor (NPU) Computing Center, an AX Demonstration Valley, autonomous driving demonstration infrastructure, and an AI Mobility New Town. His vision is to make Gwangju one of Korea's top three AI hubs and a city with unrivaled AI capabilities.

Mayor Kang stated, "Gwangju is preparing for its second emergence, equipping itself with the wings of AI on top of its democratic DNA," and added, "By seizing the opportunities for growth that will open up under the Lee Jaemyung administration, we will complete Gwangju as an AI city for everyone and a future city for all."

Starting with the book launch event, Mayor Kang's key aides are also shifting into election mode. With the resignations of Jeong Seonghak, External Cooperation Advisor; Shin Jeongho, Citizen Participation Policy Advisor; and Park Cheolho, Special Political Advisor, it appears they will now focus on organizational restructuring and the future campaign from outside the administration.

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