Jiwon Park: "Achieved 'Nomination Revolution' in Wando... All-Out Efforts to Secure 10 Billion Won for Abalone Industry"

Calling for an 'Election Revolution' in Wando,
Urges Support for Local Leaders

Promises to Secure 10 Billion Won for Abalone Cage Farms
and Introduce a Fallow Period Support System

Jiwon Park, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Haenam, Wando, and Jindo in South Jeolla Province, visited the Wando Abalone Festival site to appeal to local residents to complete the "Election Revolution" through transparent candidate nominations. At the same time, he announced that he would make every effort to secure national funding to overcome the region's most pressing issue: the crisis of abalone overproduction.

On the afternoon of the 25th, during a congratulatory speech at the Abalone Festival held in Nohwa-eup, Wando County, South Jeolla Province, Assemblyman Park stated, "This round of Democratic Party candidate nominations was truly a 'nomination revolution.'" He added that this was a significant step forward.

Assemblyman Jiwon Park visited the Wando Abalone Festival venue and appealed to the residents to complete the 'Election Revolution' through transparent candidate selection. Photo provided by Park Jiwon’s office

He noted, "During the primary process, some of my closest aides and younger colleagues who had supported me the most in the past were not elected, which brought me to tears. However, thanks to the fair participation of local residents and party members, we have completely put an end to the old practice of 'money politics.'"

He continued, "I earnestly ask that the people of Wando join in this 'Election Revolution' to select truly outstanding leaders who will drive Wando’s development, based on these reformed nominations. I strongly urge everyone to choose candidates—following County Governor Woo Cheol Shin—who can lead the region well, regardless of financial influence."

Assemblyman Park also expressed a strong sense of responsibility and determination regarding the normalization of the abalone industry, a long-awaited regional project. He said, "Since my election, I have conducted my 107th monthly visit to the district, listening to local concerns, but the abalone issues in Nohwa and Wando still remain major challenges."

He particularly acknowledged his own responsibility for failing to secure related support funds, despite voluntary efforts by abalone farmers to reduce cage farming by 10%. Bowing his head, he said, "This was entirely my fault," and promised, "This year, I will ensure that government funding is provided in response to the reduction efforts."

Park Ji-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who visited the Abalone Festival venue in Nohwa-eup, Wando County, is on stage pledging to go all out to secure national funding for abalone farming households. Photo by Park Ji-won's office

As concrete solutions to the problem of abalone overproduction, Assemblyman Park proposed: ▲ Strong crackdowns on illegal aquaculture operators ▲ Securing additional budget for a further 20% reduction in cage farming (5,000 tons) ▲ Attracting 10 billion won in funding to support the development of large-scale distribution networks and new sales channels ▲ Introducing a 'fallow period support system' for abalone cage farms.

He stressed, "In order to promote the consumption of the excess 5,000 tons of abalone, it is urgent to secure approximately 10 billion won in funding to support major distributors nationwide. I will actively persuade the Minister and Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance to ensure that aquaculture operators do not suffer losses." He added, "Just as rice farmers receive compensation for fallow fields, I am strongly demanding from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries that abalone cage farmers also receive support during fallow periods."

He concluded, "Since abalone is the largest aquaculture fishery in Korea, illegal aquaculture—accounting for about 20% of total production and disrupting the market—must be thoroughly eradicated. All possible efforts will be made at the National Assembly level to ensure that legitimate abalone farmers are the first to receive policy benefits."

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