Kang Gijeong: "Wrapping Up Gwangju City Administration by Closely Overseeing Key Issues"

Addressing the Constitutional Amendment for May 18 and Completion of Subway Line 2 Construction
Reviewing Key Issues Including Integrated Special City Preparations and Military Airport Relocation

Kang Gijeong, mayor of Gwangju, stated that as the city prepares for the launch of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City on July 1, "As the last mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, I will ensure a solid conclusion to the city's administration." He expressed his intention to personally oversee key outstanding issues during his remaining term, including responding to the constitutional amendment to include the May 18 Spirit in the preamble, completing the construction of Subway Line 2, and preparations for the integrated special city.

At a press conference held at Gwangju City Hall on the morning of the 21st, Mayor Kang said that over the past 25 days, he traveled around sites in Gwangju and Jeonnam rather than staying at city hall, which made him once again realize the significance of integration.

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung is explaining the city's main administrative issues and future plans at a press briefing held at Gwangju City Hall on the morning of the 21st. Photo by Song Bohyun

Mayor Kang first addressed issues related to May 18, explaining the current status of efforts toward a constitutional amendment to include the May 18 Spirit in the preamble. He said, "I am reaching out to members of the People Power Party with the determination of 'finding 10 righteous people.'"

The 46th anniversary ceremony of May 18 will be held at Democracy Plaza. This is the first time since the 40th anniversary in 2020. He explained that a memorial service will be held at Mangwol Cemetery, while the official ceremony will take place at Democracy Plaza. The opening ceremony for the restored former Jeonnam Provincial Government building is also scheduled for the same day.

Regarding the construction of Subway Line 2, he stated that since the full opening of the upper section on December 22 last year, follow-up work has been ongoing. He added that the opening of the upper section of Baegun Underpass, which is being carried out as a separate project, will be completed in June, and that the subway station names will also be finalized at that time.

In terms of preparations for the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City, he explained that he has requested a special allocation tax to cover the minimum administrative expenses of 57.3 billion won, which were cut during the supplemental budget process. Regarding the order of administrative standard codes, he pointed out that there are differences in opinion, emphasizing that the order should be determined according to the 'principle of non-disadvantage,' taking into account the administrative needs of the integrated special city. As for organizational integration, he noted disagreements regarding the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's demand for the integration of common support departments. He also stated that the selection process for the special city's treasury will be conducted fairly in May.

He also outlined plans to provide support funds to those affected by high oil prices. Mayor Kang said that, due to the situation in the Middle East, oil prices are rising and petrochemical companies are facing instability, so from this month, support payments for high oil prices, totaling about 38 billion won from city funds, will begin. The support structure is 80% from the central government and 20% from local funds, but considering the fiscal conditions of autonomous districts, the city will cover the entire local portion. Through the Emergency Economic Response Task Force, he said, the city is also drawing up measures to stabilize prices and support export companies and vulnerable groups.

Regarding the AI mobility demonstration city initiative, he explained that the AX Demonstration Valley project is currently under feasibility review, and that pilot operations of autonomous vehicles are being discussed with the government and private companies.

With respect to attracting corporate investment, he explained that both domestic and foreign companies are continuing to invest in Gwangju, and that there are companies about to sign agreements with the city. He pledged to complete these agreements within his term. He also mentioned the introduction of a two-shift operation (day and night) at Gwangju Global Motors (GGM) as a task for expanding jobs.

On the relocation of the military airport, he said that the project has gained momentum with the selection of a preliminary candidate site, and preparations are underway to complete the site selection within the year.

He also mentioned plans to attract pandas to Uchi Park, calling it a strategy that could elevate the park's status and transform Gwangju's tourism landscape, and pledged to achieve results during his term. Regarding securing national funds for next year, he stated that the next two months are critical and that he will ensure the necessary budget is allocated.

In addition, he said he will continue to closely monitor projects that have stalled for various reasons, such as the mediation of SRF facility usage fees, lawsuits regarding the resource recovery facility and Yeongsan River Y-Belt, as well as the central library and lifelong housing projects. He added that discussions on a memorial stone for the Hakdong disaster have been completed, and that the handling of the accident bus has also been finalized.

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