Kim Eun-hye "Restoring Fairness and Common Sense" vs Yoo Seung-min "Strength in Moderation and Youth"... 2nd Debate Turns into Policy Showdown

Gyeonggi Province Governor People Power Party preliminary candidate Rep. Kim Eun-hye (left) and former Rep. Yoo Seung-min are taking a commemorative photo before the debate. (Provided by former Rep. Yoo's election campaign)

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[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] In the second round of the TV debate for the People Power Party's Gyeonggi Province governor preliminary candidates, Assemblywoman Kim Eun-hye and former Assemblyman Yoo Seung-min clashed over policy issues. In their opening remarks, former Assemblyman Yoo stated, "I will mobilize all the policy capabilities and political influence I have honed over 23 years to serve one last time in Gyeonggi Province," while Assemblywoman Kim said, "I will show the growing face of Gyeonggi. As the Iron Lady, I will break down vested interests."

① Relocation of Suwon Air Base

During the debate, former Assemblyman Yoo brought up the issue of relocating Suwon Air Base. Yoo said, "Residents living in Hwaseong and Dongtan areas should be freed from noise damage, property rights infringement, and height restrictions. The Gyeonggi governor should relocate the military airport elsewhere to strengthen national security," and asked, "What is Candidate Kim's clear answer?" In response, Assemblywoman Kim said, "In principle, communication with the residents living nearby and consideration of noise damage are necessary, but despite offering incentives, there was much opposition. There is no way around it; incentives that the local residents agree with are important."

Former Assemblyman Yoo continued, "During President Roh Moo-hyun's era, regarding the radioactive waste disposal facility installed in Buan, Jeonbuk, support was promised by providing the headquarters of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and a proton accelerator, so Pohang and Gyeongju competed to host it," and added, "If we explain a package that includes what the residents in the area accepting Suwon Air Base want, I think it can be done." When Yoo pressed for a further answer, Assemblywoman Kim said that speed control is necessary. She stated, "Saying it will be done within the term can be interpreted as pushing it through regardless of local public opinion."

② Expansion of Smart Work Centers

The two also differed on the issue of the business trip-type smart work centers established for the first time in a local government in Gyeonggi Province. Assemblywoman Kim said, "Young people can work from home or cafes," and added, "(Accepting smart working) is a matter of changing corporate culture," suggesting, "If you work that way, objectively evaluate the results delivered within deadlines and use that as a personnel standard. Rather than building or renting smart work centers, it is more practical and realistic to create parking lots near subway stations."

Former Assemblyman Yoo explained, "Smart work centers are spaces where you can bring your children and rest," emphasizing the need for workspaces that fit the lifestyle changes after the COVID-19 era.

③ Abolishment of Public Delivery App 'Baedal Teukgeup'

They agreed on abolishing the delivery-related application operated with hundreds of billions of won invested by former Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung. Regarding alternatives, Assemblywoman Kim proposed introducing a delivery fee disclosure system, while former Assemblyman Yoo said he would find ways to support apps created and led by small business owners and self-employed people.

④ Promotion of Growth Promotion Zones in Border Areas

Regarding the growth promotion zones in Gyeonggi Province's border areas, former Assemblyman Yoo proposed deregulation, while Assemblywoman Kim suggested revising enforcement ordinances as solutions.

Former Assemblyman Yoo said, "The northeastern border area should start by lifting military facility protection zone regulations," adding, "I have much experience in deregulation know-how. For example, if there is an ammunition depot in a division or corps, instead of storing it in the old way, using technology that allows going deeper underground can reduce the regulated area." He also added that water supply protection zones should be deregulated.

On the other hand, Assemblywoman Kim said, "Residents in northern Gyeonggi do not feel deregulation well," and argued, "What can be resolved by enforcement ordinances can be amended under the Metropolitan Area Readjustment Act." However, former Assemblyman Yoo countered, "We must lift regulations," and said, "Revising enforcement ordinances is not a fundamental solution." He added, "Enforcement ordinances are the president's domain, and if done incorrectly, they can violate the fundamental purpose of the law. Without creating exceptions in the law, enforcement ordinances themselves can be problematic. In a country where administration is based on laws, I find it hard to agree with the idea of developing northern Gyeonggi by revising enforcement ordinances."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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⑤ Youth Basic Income

Assemblywoman Kim promised to provide 3 million won as youth basic income. She said, "A starting fund is needed to help youth," and added, "Previously, it was only given to 24-year-olds, but I will provide it annually to youth aged 19 to 34."

Former Assemblyman Yoo, with a somewhat surprised expression, asked, "Is it a one-time 3 million won?" Assemblywoman Kim replied, "Not all youth, but those who need it due to having to stop employment or studies. We will support youth, agriculture, culture, and the arts sectors."

Former Assemblyman Yoo expressed a negative stance, saying, "It requires a huge budget," to which Assemblywoman Kim responded, "Isn't there an available budget?" and said, "It's a matter of will." In response, Yoo said, "I promised 1 million won for transportation expenses for pregnant women."

⑥ Establishment of Public Silver Towns

Former Assemblyman Yoo was also asked about solutions to Gyeonggi Province's aging population problem. He said, "Instead of silver towns with monthly rents of 2 to 3 million won and deposits of 200 to 300 million won, I want to establish public silver towns throughout Gyeonggi Province," and added, "I will redirect the budget for former Governor Lee's basic housing to this."

Assemblywoman Kim responded, "I saw today's announcement. To add one thing, early diagnosis of dementia in seniors is also important," and suggested, "How about having dementia relief centers, which are currently in each public health center in cities and counties, operated by nearby local hospitals?"

Former Assemblyman Yoo said, "We need to create a dementia relief village. In the Netherlands, the government helps gather dementia patients so they can live with at least human dignity. Advanced countries are doing this," and added, "Gyeonggi Province should prepare for the aging era by establishing dementia relief towns and ensure trained experts can take good care of them."

In the debate, Assemblywoman Kim emphasized, "I have stood against corruption cases within the Democratic Party and Gyeonggi Province," highlighting her leadership in resolving the Daejang-dong and Baekhyeon-dong development corruption and Seongnam FC corporate card allegations. She stressed, "I will start by establishing fairness and common sense," showcasing her strengths.

Former Assemblyman Yoo said, "I have fought against wrongdoing, corruption, and injustice for 22 years," and added, "In the Democratic Party, I was always considered the most troublesome opponent to former Governor Lee Jae-myung. To win the main election, we must win among centrists and youth."

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