[6.3 Election] Im Munyoung, Gwangsan District Candidate: "Gwangju, the Sacred Land of Democracy, to Become the Most Prosperous City"

Announcing Candidacy for Gwangsan District with a Vision for AI, Future Vehicles, and Semiconductors
"Leveraging Experience in Designing the Current Administration's National AI Strategy as a Foundation for Gwangju's Growth"

Im Munyoung, a preliminary candidate for the National Assembly from Gwangsan District, Gwangju, representing the Democratic Party of Korea, officially announced his candidacy on the 12th and unveiled his vision for a major transformation of Gwangju driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and future industries. Im stated, "I will build Gwangju's economy upon the spirit of Gwangju," adding, "In the era of the AI revolution, I will make Gwangju the center of Korea's future industries."

At a press conference held that morning at the Gwangju City Council briefing room, Im said, "If the era of industrialization was a time of ebb tide, with people and capital flowing out to the Seoul metropolitan area, the AI era is one of flood tide, with companies and capital flowing into the regions." He further emphasized, "Jeonnam and Gwangju can become the only city in the nation equipped with integration and an AI-based foundation."

He specifically described Gwangsan District as "the heart that will drive Gwangju's future." His vision is to rebuild Gwangju's growth axis by combining AI, energy, and future vehicle industries on the existing base of manufacturing, automotive industry, and industrial complexes. He pledged to transform the Gwangsan industrial complex into an AI-based smart factory and to establish an ecosystem for future industries that connects autonomous driving, data centers, semiconductors, and the energy sector.

Im introduced himself as a member of the "first generation of IT professionals" and highlighted his experience in digital policy. He referenced his background in operating Hitel and Naunuri, his participation in policies for Seongnam City and Gyeonggi Province, and his role as vice chairman of the National AI Strategy Committee. He stated, "I will pour my experience designing the Lee Jaemyung administration's national AI strategy into Gwangju's growth."

He said, "Gwangju is the city that most fiercely defended democracy," adding, "Now, it must go beyond being a symbol of democracy and leap forward to become the most dynamic and prosperous city." He continued, "We will lay the groundwork for global semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix to come to Gwangju, build an RE100-based power grid and data centers, and create an economy in which companies, jobs, and investments circulate virtuous cycles within the region."

He also identified youth issues as a major priority. Im stated, "Gwangju must not become a city where young people leave in search of jobs," adding, "I will make Gwangsan District a place where young people can learn, start businesses, and plan their future."

On this day, Im was asked about Ha Jungwoo, a fellow party member running in the Busan Buk-gu Gap by-election and Senior Presidential Secretary for AI and Future Planning. Im responded, "If I am elected as a member of the National Assembly, I would like to have a healthy competition to see who can do better."