Lee Byunghun Supports Kim Youngrok for Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Mayor... Joins as Chief Election Committee Chair

A Variable in the Integrated Special Mayor Primary

"Deemed the Right Person for Conflict Mediation and Administrative Stability"

Stresses "Historic Transformation Through Jeonnam-Gwangju Integration"

Expresses "Regret" to Shin Jeonghoon, Min Hyungbae, and Kang Gijeong

Lee Byunghun, Senior Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party's Honam Development Special Committee, who participated in the Democratic Party's Jeonnam-Gwangju integrated special mayor primary election, officially declared his support for preliminary candidate Kim Youngrok and joined as the chief standing election committee chair. He cited the need to mediate anticipated regional conflicts and ensure administrative stability during the integration process, stating, "He is the right person to take on the role of the first integrated special mayor."

On the afternoon of March 24, at the Gwangju City Council briefing room, Senior Vice Chairman Lee held a press conference, saying, "I am here today to announce a critical decision that will determine the future of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City," and added, "I will join this path as the chief standing election committee chair for preliminary candidate Kim Youngrok."

Lee Byunghun, Senior Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's Honam Development Special Committee, and Kim Youngrok, a preliminary candidate for the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Mayor primary, are raising their joined hands after finishing a support declaration press conference at the press briefing room of Gwangju City Council on the afternoon of the 24th. Photo by Bonghyun Song

Senior Vice Chairman Lee explained, "This decision was made after deep consideration about how to address the historical challenges facing the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City." He further stated that the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju "is not simply an administrative merger, but a historic transformation that will change the destiny of the region and a challenge that opens a new path for balanced national development in South Korea."

He continued, "The road to integration ahead will by no means be easy," adding, "Numerous conflicts are piled up, including regional interests, the restructuring of administrative systems, and the distribution of budgets and resources. Managing and mediating these conflicts to achieve a true integration is the most important responsibility that the inaugural integrated special mayor must shoulder."

He emphasized, "There is a clear way to responsibly address concerns about integration: proven administrative competence, stable leadership, and the ability to transform conflict into unity."

Senior Vice Chairman Lee stated, "I believe that the person best suited to fulfill this role is candidate Kim Youngrok."

He further evaluated, "Candidate Kim Youngrok has led Jeonnam's administration with stability and possesses administrative experience in both the central and local governments. He is a leader who has prepared the region for the future by securing key projects such as the National AI Computing Center, the OpenAI Data Center, and the Naju Artificial Sun Research Facility, thereby creating local jobs and future growth engines amidst fierce industrial competition."

He added, "I believe he is the right person to mediate the anticipated conflicts of integration and to create new jobs. I will devote my abilities, however limited, to ensure the integrated special city’s success and prove it through results."

Senior Vice Chairman Lee also addressed the other candidates who participated in the primary. He said, "I apologize to Shin Jeonghoon, Min Hyungbae, and Kang Gijeong. They were fellow candidates in the primary and have been colleagues and juniors I have known in the region for a long time, so I feel sorry for declaring support for a particular candidate."

Immediately after the press conference, preliminary candidate Kim Youngrok stated, "I will continue on this path together until the day the administrative integration is complete," and added, "Through solidarity and cooperation, we will definitely create a model of integration and coexistence that the citizens long for."

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