[Interview] Lee Kwangjae: "Hanam Has Much Work Ahead... I Will Deliver Results"

"Hanam, Aiming to Surpass Gangnam in Culture and Education"
New Constituency, Unwavering Resolve
21 Legislative Proposals Prepared Just Two Weeks After Strategic Nomination

"There is plenty of work to be done in Hanam. Beyond addressing current issues, I want to become a leader who creates a city that fits the era."

Kwangjae Lee, the Democratic Party candidate running in the by-election for the Hanam Gap constituency in Gyeonggi Province, which will be held alongside the 9th nationwide local elections on June 3, expressed this vision when asked about his initial thoughts upon being offered the candidacy for Hanam.

Kwangjae Lee, Democratic Party candidate for Hanam Gap, Gyeonggi Province, is interviewed by The Asia Business Daily on the 8th in front of the Kolburn concession site of Hanam City Camp. Photo by Kwangjae Lee Camp.

In an interview with The Asia Business Daily on May 8 in front of the former Camp Kolbeon site in Hanam, Lee stated, "President Park Chung Hee ushered in the era of comprehensive industry in Pohang, Ulsan, Changwon, and Yeosu, while Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun opened the era of information technology (IT) through Pangyo. I want to make Hanam a city with stronger culture and education than Gangnam, and a city with high-quality yet relatively affordable housing and workplaces."

Often referred to as "Roh Moo-hyun's right-hand man," Lee has served as the governor of Gangwon Province and as a member of the 17th, 18th, and 21st National Assembly. Notably, ahead of this year's local elections, he led opinion polls for the next Gangwon governor, but left a deep impression on many by yielding the candidacy to Woosangho in a demonstration of putting the party before personal interests.

Although the constituency has changed, Lee's determination to "get things done" remains unwavering. He remarked that the Hanam Gap area "has both new towns and old downtowns, as well as abundant nature, giving it a cozy feeling. It reminds me of my hometown, Gangwon Province." He added, "It brings back memories of the time when I worked with vision to bring the PyeongChang Winter Olympics to Korea." Lee served as governor of Gangwon during the initial stage of the bid in 2010–2011 and was also active in the Democratic Party's "Special Committee for Supporting the Bid for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics."

On that day, he proposed 21 legislative measures to the Democratic Party to resolve the seven major pending issues facing Hanam City. Han Byungdo, floor leader of the Democratic Party and Lee's closest colleague since the 17th National Assembly, visited the former Camp Kolbeon site as his first official move after being re-elected as floor leader and responded, "After the local elections, I will consider forming a 'Task Force for Legislative Support on Regional Pending Issues' directly under the floor leader."

Among Lee's proposals are measures to ease greenbelt regulations—which cover 71% of Hanam's total area—and plans to utilize national and public land equivalent to ten times the size of Yeouido. Lee commented, "When I was governor of Gangwon, I created a land planning team to utilize military sites. I will pave the way to directly use this land by amending the National Property Act."

He continued, "I have never shied away from difficult paths. When I went to Bundang, even as an outside-the-assembly committee chair without an office, I solved the long-standing issue of easing the height restrictions at Seongnam Airport. I also paved the way for the reconstruction of 5,400 households in Seongnam. I am someone who enjoys working," he said confidently. Lee added, "My party is about restaurants (the economy), village schools (education), and senior centers (elderly welfare). I will humbly and fiercely devote myself to the remainder of the election." (Reporting from Hanam by Ji Hyejin)

Kwangjae Lee, Democratic Party candidate for Hanam Gap, Gyeonggi Province, is being interviewed by The Asia Business Daily in front of the Colburn donation site at the Hanam City campaign office on the 8th. Photo by Kwangjae Lee Campaign.

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