Lee Eon-ju "I will raise the flag of change in Busan"... Officially announces candidacy for Busan mayor

by Lim Chunhan

Published 23 Nov.2020 15:55(KST)

"No room to be cornered by the new airport frame"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former People Power Party lawmaker Ianju Lee officially announced his candidacy for Busan mayor on the 23rd, stating, “We must make Busan a place where young talents full of new ideas and pioneering spirit gather, start businesses, and stay. I want to raise the flag of that change.”

At his book launch event held at the Kensington Hotel in Yeouido that afternoon, Lee said, “We need to recall once again the cause of this election,” adding, “The election, which cost hundreds of billions of taxpayers’ money, was caused by the sexual harassment by the Democratic Party mayor. We must not forget this. We must not let the sexual harassment frame turn into a new airport frame and put us on the defensive.”

Regarding the controversy over the 'Gadeokdo New Airport,' Lee said, “I have advocated for the Gadeokdo New Airport for a long time. There must be an airport capable of handling international-scale cargo,” emphasizing, “It should be located at sea to be safe from noise pollution and can be expanded if needed in the future.” He added, “Logistics competitiveness is international competitiveness. Our competitors are not Incheon Airport but Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.”

Lee stated, “Busan has been dormant for 20 to 30 years. Former Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan called it a ‘shabby city.’ Although it hurts my pride, hearing that made me feel a sense of self-reproach. The economic indicators are the worst. Not just the lowest, but while other regions are above 60%, we remain in the 50% range,” adding, “Busan must start its fourth opening. It will be an opportunity to change South Korea starting with Busan. To do so, we must overcome regressive appearances and restore progressiveness, openness, and reform.”

Lee said, “Why has Busan been dormant all this time? It is too bureaucratic. It is impossible to do anything in business. There is still a patriarchal culture,” and added, “I will innovate the public service sector and promote generational change in politics and society to nurture new forces.”