Kim Jintae Pledges "Half-Price Diapers and Formula"... ‘Half-Price Childcare Products’ Policy

Kim Jintae, Gangwon Governor Candidate, Bets on "Half-Price Childcare Products"

Announces Second Daily Life Pledge in "Promises to Make My Life Special" Series

"Gangwon Will Be the Best Place to Raise Children"

Pressures Woo Sangho: "Let's Hold a TV Debate Within Ten Days"

As the 9th nationwide local elections approach, Kim Jintae, the People Power Party candidate seeking re-election as Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, has unveiled a bold, practical policy pledge, accelerating his policy campaign. At the same time, he strongly urged Woo Sangho, the Democratic Party candidate, to participate in a TV debate as soon as possible, stepping up his offensive to shake up the election landscape.

Governor candidate Jin-tae Kim of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province announced the second pledge, "Half-Price Childcare Product Support," of "A Promise to Make My Life Special" at a press conference held at the Gangwon Provincial Office briefing room on the 20th. Photo by Candidate Jin-tae Kim

On the 20th, Kim Jintae, candidate for Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, announced his second pledge of the "Promises to Make My Life Special" series, the "Half-Price Childcare Products Support" policy, at a press conference held in the Gangwon Provincial Government briefing room.

The "Promises to Make My Life Special" series is a set of practical policy pledges designed to address the most pressing everyday needs of Gangwon residents. Previously, Kim had made his first pledge to provide fuel cost support for delivery riders.

Kim explained that he was inspired by the ongoing "Half-Price Agricultural Supplies Support Project," which has been of great help to local farmers, and decided to apply a similar approach to childcare. He plans to establish an exclusive online shopping mall for Gangwon residents called "Gangwon Half-Price Childcare Mall." Through this platform, 50% of the cost of essential childcare items such as diapers and formula purchased will be subsidized by local government funds.

He also presented a concrete funding plan. The provincial and municipal (city and county) budgets will be matched, and the primary funding source will be the "Local Extinction Response Fund." In a press conference held on the 13th, Kim stated, "If the first phase of the Local Extinction Response Fund focused 93% on infrastructure (facility construction), the second phase, which will begin in 2027, will pivot to software projects centered on people." This pledge represents an actionable plan to address low birth rates and childcare by concentrating the fund's investment on these areas.

During his four years in office as the 8th popularly elected governor, Kim has steadfastly implemented customized policies to make Gangwon a better place to raise children, such as expanding basic childcare allowances and supporting interest payments on housing loans for newlyweds.

These efforts are now reflected in improved data. According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics' population trend survey, the number of births in Gangwon in 2025 was 6,683, an increase of 91 (1.4%) from the previous year. The total fertility rate also rose to 0.91, returning to the 0.9 level for the first time in two years. Through the "Half-Price Childcare Products Support" policy, Kim aims to maintain this positive trend in birth rates.

Kim emphasized, "Gangwon Province already provides the highest level of childcare support in the country through the 'Gangwon Basic Childcare Allowance.' By offering essential childcare items at half price, we will further increase the tangible benefits parents feel from our policies. We will continue to present real, everyday pledges that improve the daily lives of our residents."

Candidate Jin-Tae Kim for Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province announced the second pledge of "Promises That Make My Life Special," the "Half-Price Childcare Products Support" promise at a press conference held at the Gangwon Provincial Government briefing room on the 20th. Photo by Candidate Jin-Tae Kim

Kim Jintae: "Candidate Woo Sangho, Let's Hold a TV Debate Within Ten Days"

Following his policy announcement, Kim Jintae took aim at his opponent, Woo Sangho. He said, "Residents are curious about when the TV debate will be held," and officially proposed, "Let's hold a TV debate within ten days from today."

Kim pointed out that Woo's camp is trying to postpone the debate by a month, remarking, "In the past, didn't Candidate Woo criticize avoidance of TV debates as an 'arrogant attitude'?"

Kim further stated at the press conference, "After meeting many residents over the past few days, I found that many are curious about when the TV debate will take place. Shouldn't candidates naturally accommodate what residents want?" He emphasized the responsibility of candidates to respond to voters' expectations.

He added, "From what I hear, there's a suggestion to hold the TV debate a month from now, but isn't that too late?" and reiterated his call to hold the debate within ten days from today.

Kim also recalled that during the 2022 presidential election, Woo Sangho stated, "Refusing a TV debate is a very arrogant attitude. I have never seen a leading candidate avoid a TV debate. Is this in line with public expectations?" Kim said he is awaiting Woo's response.

Kim Jintae had also posted a single sentence on social media on the 19th: "Candidate Woo Sangho, let's have a TV debate." As of now, there has been no official response from Woo's camp.

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