DP's Kim Boo-kyum: "Immediate Start on Daegu-Gyeongbuk Integrated New Airport Construction... 1 Trillion Won Secured"

Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party's prospective candidate for Daegu mayor, announced on April 23 that he will push forward with the administrative integration of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province (the TK region) without wavering, adding that he will immediately begin the project to relocate the integrated TK New Airport.

Kim Boo-kyum, Pre-candidate for Daegu Mayor from the Democratic Party of Korea. The Asia Business Daily DB

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On the morning of the same day, Kim held his second policy announcement at his campaign office, where he presented concrete execution plans for the administrative integration of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province and the construction of the integrated new airport.

Kim explained, "Through administrative integration, we will secure up to 20 trillion won in financial benefits over the next four years. We will deliver a range of talent benefits including relocating public institutions, attracting companies to create jobs, prioritizing local talent for recruitment, and securing autonomy in establishing and operating schools."

He also announced plans to immediately launch the 'TK Joint Integrated Promotion Committee' to provide sufficient explanations to residents of the city and province, and to secure democratic legitimacy through a local referendum. He further stated his intention to push strongly for the passage of the Special Integration Act in the National Assembly, aiming to complete administrative integration by electing the head of the integrated body in the 2028 general election.

Kim also declared that he would immediately resume the previously halted TK integrated new airport relocation project. For the early implementation of this project, which requires a total investment of 15 trillion won, 1 trillion won in central government funding has been secured, in addition to 500 billion won from the Public Capital Management Fund and 500 billion won in special government support. These funds will be used to quickly advance design, land acquisition, and support for local residents.

Regarding the Gunwi area, where the new airport will be located, Kim revealed plans to develop it as a new axis of Daegu's economy. Through the development of a free economic zone, he aims to attract foreign investment and foster industries such as aircraft maintenance (MRO) and advanced logistics, transforming the area into a logistics hub and improving residential conditions in parallel. He also stated his intention to establish the region as a defense industry cluster, creating synergy by attracting defense companies, connecting the defense and advanced robotics industries, and nurturing the materials, parts, and equipment sectors.

Previously, on April 20, Kim announced his first major pledge, the 'Daegu Industrial Transformation' plan, which aims to make Daegu the 'Pangyo of the southern region' and develop it into a capital for the quantum industry and artificial intelligence (AI) robotics.

After his second policy announcement, Kim will visit Kyungpook National University to discuss strategies for supporting and developing the university through cooperation between Daegu City and Kyungpook National University. He also plans to have meals with students at the university cafeteria to listen to their concerns about employment and tuition, hold a tea meeting with students from different majors, and reflect their feedback in youth policies. Later, he will meet with representatives from disability organizations and the Association of Certified Realtors, followed by a roundtable discussion aimed at revitalizing the corporate taxi sector.

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