Kang Byeongdeok Voices Concern That Eric Trump’s Visit to Hanam Is a Campaign Event for Mayor Lee Hyunjae’s Re-election

Statement by Democratic Party Policy Special Advisor Kang Byeongdeok
"K-Star World Adrift for Four Years...Is This Just Rebranding It as Trump World?"
"Misa Island and Wirye Golf Course Must Be Developed with a Focus on Public Interest and Citizen Benefit"

Kang Byeongdeok, policy special advisor to the party leader of the Democratic Party of Korea and a prospective candidate for Hanam mayor, stated in a press release on the 12th that "a cool-headed verification is needed as to whether Eric Trump's visit to Hanam will actually bring tangible benefits to citizens."

Kang Byungdeok, policy special advisor to the leader of the Democratic Party and a prospective candidate for mayor of Hanam, issued a statement on the 12th. Photo shows the press briefing for his Hanam mayoral campaign held on January 21. Provided by candidate Kang Byungdeok.

On the 11th, Eric Trump, the second son of U.S. President Donald Trump, reportedly visited Hanam and, guided by Mayor Lee Hyunjae, toured the site of the Misa Island K-Culture Complex (formerly K-Star World) and the Wirye Seongnam Golf Course site.

Policy special advisor Kang said, "We welcome the fact that a global figure has visited Hanam, as it is a sign that shows the city's potential," but he also pointed out, "With only about four months left in the mayor's term, citizens cannot help but question the background behind the sudden push for Eric Trump's visit."

In particular, he criticized, "The K-Star World project has seen no substantial progress over the past four years, with only its name changed multiple times," and asked, "Isn't this method of repeatedly changing the signboard from Marvel City, to K-Star World, to Sphere, to K-Culture Complex, and now to yet another new name nothing more than Mayor Lee Hyunjae's 'complex of obstinacy'?"

He also said, "The Trump brand, as a global business model, operates on a structure that is thoroughly centered on profit," adding, "If Hanam fails to secure real leadership and a favorable profit structure, we cannot rule out the possibility that only the city's brand will end up being exploited."

Regarding the Wirye Seongnam Golf Course site, Kang, the prospective candidate, proposed, "Instead of a development centered on foreign capital, we should also consider a public-development plan that expands educational facilities and returns benefits to citizens."

He went on to say, "Wirye is an area with strong demands for expanded educational infrastructure," and added, "A comprehensive approach is needed that simultaneously considers attracting educational facilities and preserving the environment in an eco-friendly way."

Lastly, the prospective candidate Kang urged, "Stop this 'show for profit-making by the Trump family and for Mayor Lee Hyunjae's re-election,' and let us decide Hanam's future through the choice and consensus of its citizens."

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