[6/3 Election] Min Hyung-bae: "Integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju Is the Path to Survival"... Presents Three Key Visions

Driving Major Political Change with a Citizen-Sovereign Government

Proposing a Growth Axis Combining AI, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Renewable Energy

"Building a Special City Where Young People Choose to Stay"

Min Hyung-bae, who has been confirmed as the Democratic Party candidate for the integrated special mayor of Jeonnam and Gwangju, stated on the 15th, "I will accept, with a sense of fear and humility, the sovereign mandate from citizens to strive for a great transformation in Jeonnam and Gwangju, to overcome the crisis of regional extinction, and to move toward a new future."

On this morning, Min held a press conference at the Gwangju City Council briefing room, where he officially announced his vision for the integrated special city and presented his 'three key pledges,' emphasizing the effects of integration across political, economic, and socio-cultural spheres.

Min Hyungbae, the Democratic Party candidate for the integrated mayor of Jeonnam and Gwangju, held his first press conference after being confirmed as a candidate at the briefing room of the Gwangju City Council on the morning of the 15th, revealing his vision for the integrated special city. Photo by Song Bohyun

Min said, "Despite my shortcomings, you have chosen me as the Democratic Party candidate for the integrated mayor of Jeonnam and Gwangju," and added, "This result reflects the citizens’ strong desire for a great transformation in Jeonnam and Gwangju." He continued, "I accept this as a solemn mandate from the citizens to overcome the crisis of regional extinction and move toward a new future."

Min defined the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju as "an opportunity to improve citizens’ lives and to open a new growth platform." He especially emphasized, "This will become an opportunity to create a hometown where young people can dream freely without having to leave."

Min presented three pledges as the direction for promoting the integrated special city.

First, regarding the political sector, he said, "We will establish a citizen-sovereign government in the integrated special city of Jeonnam and Gwangju," adding, "Major policies will be decided together with citizens, budgets and projects will be disclosed more transparently, and the administration will become faster and more competent." He further stated, "We will create a special city where citizens are the true owners and where their voices become policy."

In the economic sector, he said, "Balanced growth without discrimination regardless of where you live will be our fundamental principle of integration." He continued, "We will unite Gwangju’s advanced industrial capabilities and Jeonnam’s abundant resources." He also stated, "Jeonnam’s agriculture, fisheries, and renewable energy industries will merge with Gwangju’s artificial intelligence (AI) and mobility industries to create a greater growth engine," adding, "We will foster quality jobs for young people and sustainable sources of livelihood for the local region."

In the socio-cultural sector, he said, "The great spirit and cultural assets of Jeonnam and Gwangju will be translated into improved quality of life in citizens’ daily lives," and pledged, "We will build a 'No. 1 special city for quality of life,' where everyone enjoys a dignified culture and no one is excluded from a comprehensive welfare system."

Min also addressed the challenges in the integration process. He acknowledged, "There will be conflicts of interest and anxieties about venturing into uncharted territory," but stressed, "This is a path we must take, as the survival of Jeonnam and Gwangju and the future of the Republic of Korea depend on it."

He further stated, "I, Min Hyung-bae, will stand at the forefront of this path," adding, "I will listen more humbly to the voices of citizens, observe the field with greater humility, and prove myself through results." He also said, "I will dedicate myself fully so that Jeonnam and Gwangju can become the center of politics, growth, and hope in the Republic of Korea."

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