Na Youngmin Registers as Gimcheon Mayor Candidate, Vows to Prove Leadership Through Action, Not Politics

Capacity to Secure National Budget Support
Policy Cooperation with the Central Government Is Essential
A Choice for the Future of Gimcheon

"I will open a new century for Gimcheon."

On May 14, Na Youngmin, the Democratic Party candidate for mayor of Gimcheon, visited the Gimcheon Election Commission and officially completed his registration as a candidate for the 9th nationwide local elections, marking the beginning of his full-fledged campaign.

Democratic Party candidate for Kimcheon Mayor, Na Youngmin, visits the Kimcheon Election Commission to register as a candidate
[Photo by Candidate Office]

Na stated that his decision was "not a choice for a political party, but a final resolve to save Gimcheon, which is on the verge of collapse." In his statement, he offered a sharp assessment of the city: "Gimcheon was once called the center of Yeongnam and the leading city in the western part of North Gyeongsang Province, but the reality experienced by citizens today is unbearably heavy and bleak."

He went on to say, "It has been 77 years since Gimcheon was elevated to city status in 1949, but I cannot help but question whether the city today truly lives up to that history and stature. While neighboring cities are rapidly growing in industry, population, and economic scale, Gimcheon is experiencing stagnation and decline."

Na emphasized, "The younger generation is leaving the city to find jobs, the old downtown is losing its vitality, and small business owners and the self-employed are barely surviving the endless economic downturn. Right now, Gimcheon stands at a critical crossroads, where we must worry not about simple administrative management but about the very survival of the city itself."

He also continued his criticism of the existing local political establishment.

He stated, "For a long time, a particular political group has monopolized politics in Gimcheon, but we must soberly reflect on whether the lives of citizens have truly improved. While there has been talk of central political power and connections, the changes and future opportunities that citizens can actually feel have been lacking."

He added, "Although the phrase 'securing the budget' has been repeated, the old downtown has collapsed, young people have left, and livelihoods have become more difficult. Now is the time not for political slogans, but to prove ourselves with results."

Na also made his reasons for joining the Democratic Party clear.

He explained, "To save Gimcheon, it is absolutely necessary to secure realistic national budget support and work in policy cooperation with the central government. This was not a choice based on political calculations, but a decision for the future of Gimcheon."

He went on to say, "The most symbolic example of Gimcheon's development potential is the Innovation City. Without the late President Roh Moo-hyun's balanced national development policy and the push for the Innovation City, Gimcheon's present situation would have been even more difficult."

He continued, "The Innovation City was not just a relocation project, but a national experiment showing that local regions can be revitalized. The task now is to turn that seed into tangible growth, jobs, and the revitalization of the local economy."

Na presented his core policy directions for the future as follows: significantly expanding national budget support; mutually beneficial development of the Innovation City and the old downtown; attracting businesses and creating jobs for young people; strengthening agricultural competitiveness; implementing livelihood policies centered on the recovery of small business owners and the self-employed; and expanding infrastructure for culture, sports, and tourism.

He further emphasized, "Gimcheon must not remain stuck in the past, only talking about former glories. I will restore the pride of our city and build a Gimcheon where citizens can once again talk about hope."

Finally, Na stated, "This election is not simply about electing a single mayor. It is a crucial choice that will determine whether Gimcheon continues down the path of decline or embarks on a path of renewed growth."

He added, "I will put the lives of citizens ahead of political calculations. I will be a mayor who proves himself through the budget, execution, and results. Together with the citizens, I will open a new century for Gimcheon."

He also pledged, "Gimcheon must not become a city belonging to a single political party. I will build a city of true integration, where all citizens come together beyond factions and ideologies, and a Gimcheon that chooses the future over conflict."

With Na Youngmin registering as a candidate, the 9th nationwide local election for Gimcheon mayor is expected to be a showdown between the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, and between Na Youngmin and Bae Nakho.

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