Lee Youngwoo, Boryeong Mayoral Candidate, Recruits Lee Jaemyung's Mentor Professor Im Hyukbaek

On the 5th, Lee Youngwoo, candidate for mayor of Boryeong, Chungnam, appointed Professor Im Hyukbaek, Professor Emeritus at Korea University and former chairperson of the 22nd Democratic Party nomination committee, as the chief election strategy committee chairman at Professor Im Hyukbaek's office.

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Lee Youngwoo, candidate for Mayor of Boryeong, Chungnam, has elevated the Boryeong mayoral race to a matter of nationwide interest by recruiting a prominent figure from the central political scene.

On May 5, Lee appointed Im Hyukbaek, professor emeritus at Korea University and former chairperson of the 22nd Democratic Party parliamentary candidate nomination management committee, as the chief election campaign committee chairman.

Professor Im is considered a highly influential figure in the current administration, having even been mentioned as a potential candidate for the first prime minister under the Lee Jaemyung government.

Notably, he played a leading role in the recent Democratic Party general election nomination process, earning significant trust from incumbent lawmakers. There are high expectations that, with his central network now activated, he will greatly contribute to the development of Boryeong, a region at risk of population decline.

In his acceptance speech that day, Professor Im emphasized his special connection to Boryeong. He stated, "Boryeong is a place where my ancestor once served as the magistrate of Nampo, giving me a deep-rooted connection. I will fully support all policy measures for Boryeong’s innovative transformation, such as attracting an AI data center, by working together with Democratic Party lawmakers to whom I granted nominations."

The addition of the Good Policy Forum, a policy think tank, to the collaborative effort further strengthens the campaign.

The forum stated, "Boryeong's strategy for development based on its national heritage offers a realistic solution to overcoming the era of local extinction," highlighting the potential for the strategy to spread nationwide.

With strong support from national leaders, candidate Lee Youngwoo expressed his confidence. Lee said, "I sincerely thank Professor Im, who wields considerable influence within the ruling party, for accepting the position. By actively leveraging Professor Im’s extensive network and the policy expertise of the forum, I will attract companies, address regional issues, and ensure we restore Boryeong’s population to 100,000, thereby revitalizing the local economy."

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