Democratic Party Unified Special Mayoral TV Debate Heats Up: Clashes Over Agricultural Policy, Metropolitan Railway, and Basic Income

Shin Junghoon and Min Hyungbae Spar with Kim Youngrok over Responsibility for Declining Agricultural Income

Kim Youngrok and Min Hyungbae Clash over Gwangju-Naju Metropolitan Railway Route

Policy Debate Intensifies over Funding for Basic Income, Metropolitan Buses, and Childbirth Allowance

Yonhap News Agency

The tone of the debate grew increasingly pointed, with both criticism and agreement exchanged. The Democratic Party's candidates for the Unified Special Mayoral election of Jeonnam and Gwangju clashed over issues such as agricultural policy achievements, responsibility for unification, metropolitan railway routes, and funding for welfare programs. At the same time, some candidates also found common ground on certain policy issues.

On March 31, a live broadcast debate for the Democratic Party's Unified Special Mayoral primary for Jeonnam and Gwangju was held at the KBS Gwangju Broadcasting Headquarters Public Hall. The participants, in order of ballot number, were Shin Jung-hoon, Min Hyung-bae, Joo Cheol-hyeon, and Kim Young-rok. The debate proceeded with opening remarks, two rounds of common questions, two rounds of candidate-led debate, and closing statements.

During the debate, the issue of declining agricultural income in Jeonnam was a focal point of contention. Candidate Min Hyung-bae criticized Kim Young-rok for describing his feelings as "heavy-hearted" to President Yoon Suk-yeol at the Suncheon Garden Expo, and linked this to the problem of decreasing agricultural income in Jeonnam. Candidate Shin Jung-hoon also raised the issue of responsibility, stating, "If you have been in charge of the provincial administration for eight years, you should be judged by your record." The proposal to implement a basic income pilot program for rural areas also emerged as a point of debate.

In response, candidate Kim Young-rok explained that his comment at the Suncheon Garden Expo was a matter of protocol and an expression of being moved by the President’s promise to support social overhead capital (SOC). He countered the criticism regarding falling agricultural income by stating, "The price of rice had a significant impact, and overall income is at a median level." Regarding rural basic income, he emphasized the financial burden, noting that "even for Jeonnam alone, the project would cost 300 billion won per month."

During the debate, Kim Young-rok also targeted Min Hyung-bae as a primary opponent. Referring to Min's previous opposition to the city-province merger, Kim questioned, "Can you entrust unification to someone who opposed it?" He also pointed out that Min’s proposal for the Gwangju-Naju metropolitan railway route "does not align with President Lee Jaemyung's national agenda."

In response, candidate Min Hyung-bae argued that this was a "clear distortion of facts," and retorted, "Don't use the term 'pro-Myung Lee' as a label." The exchanges between these two candidates became increasingly heated. During the discussion of agricultural policy achievements, when Kim mentioned public sentiment in the rural areas of Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, Min pushed back strongly.

The debate also featured disputes over the financial burden of welfare projects.

Kim Young-rok questioned Shin Jung-hoon about funding sources for his policy proposal of a 2,000-won flat fare for metropolitan buses in rural areas, while Joo Cheol-hyeon raised concerns about the budgetary implications of Kim Young-rok's "Jeonnam-style childbirth allowance." In response, Shin stated that he would gradually expand the program starting from regions at the highest risk of population extinction. Kim explained that the plan would be feasible if the central government covered 50% of the funding.

The debate over the Gwangju-Naju metropolitan railway route also continued. When Kim Young-rok asked Min Hyung-bae why he supported the Hwasun-Songjeong-Noan route instead of the Sangmu-Hyocheon-Nampyeong-Innovation City route, Min explained that utilizing existing railway lines would reduce costs and that there was sufficient demand in areas like Noan. He also pointed out that the project was not yet finalized as a national project but was still at the preliminary feasibility study application stage.

On the other hand, candidate Joo Cheol-hyeon maintained a focus on policy and found common ground with Min Hyung-bae. When Joo mentioned the need to supplement rural income and expand tourism infrastructure, Min responded, "I completely agree," and, "This is an absolutely necessary project."

The relationships among the candidates were also highlighted in response to the moderator’s shared question: "If you were the manager of KIA, which candidate would you recruit and in what position?" Kim Young-rok said of Min Hyung-bae, "It would be difficult to use him as a player, but I would make him the cheer squad leader." Joo Cheol-hyeon said, "I would recruit him as a starting pitcher." Both Min and Shin Jung-hoon said they would choose Joo Cheol-hyeon as catcher.

In their closing statements, the candidates each presented their core visions.

Joo Cheol-hyeon declared, "I will create a Jeonnam and Gwangju that can outcompete Seoul." Min Hyung-bae emphasized, "Jeonnam and Gwangju will take responsibility for energy, food, and territorial sovereignty." Shin Jung-hoon stated, "I will open the future with practical, fast, and livelihood-focused politics," while Kim Young-rok said, "I will revitalize the local economy by injecting 500 billion won in livelihood support funds and issuing 3 trillion won in local currency."

The Democratic Party will hold a public-participation primary from April 3 to April 5, with 50% of the results based on party members and 50% on public opinion polls. If no candidate wins a majority, a runoff will be held from April 12 to April 14 to determine the final nominee.

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