[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Kang Junhyun, the Democratic Party candidate running for Sejong E in the April 15 general election, stated, "Attracting the metropolitan population to Sejong is the value that President Roh Moo-hyun envisioned," and added, "I will create a residential environment comparable to Seoul."
We met Kang on the morning of the 30th right after the launch ceremony of his election campaign office in Jochiwon-eup, Sejong. The following is a Q&A session.
- How do you perceive public sentiment after going around?
▲ Since this is my hometown, expectations are high. People seem to place their hopes on me, thinking it would be good to have at least one local politician from the area. The affection and hometown love in my heart seem to be visible to the citizens. So, every time I visit the field, I am motivated and working hard.
- What is currently the biggest issue in Sejong?
▲ Sejong is on the development path until 2030. Since it is in the development stage, there are many issues. After visiting, I think the importance of the issues lies not in the issues themselves but in the residents' demands and communication. If citizens have requests, we should listen and reflect them in policies if possible. When that is not possible, a process of understanding and persuasion is necessary. I recently think that communication is more important than just paving roads or building things.
- If elected, what would be the first bill you want to propose?
▲ Sejong is a city conceived under the value of national balanced development by President Roh Moo-hyun. The goal is to complete a practical administrative capital. First, to establish the presidential office or Sejong Assembly so that it can function effectively, and second, to promote constitutional amendment to formally designate Sejong as the administrative capital. The amendment should include autonomy, legislative power, and financial authority. Of course, this should be a national agenda, not just a Sejong issue.
- Anything else?
▲ Another important matter is that before entering politics, I ran a small and medium-sized enterprise. I saw many unfair and unbalanced practices that need correction. I want to improve unreasonable systems between large and small-medium enterprises, such as wage gaps and polarization. Although it will be difficult as a first-term lawmaker, I hope to cooperate well with Representative Lee Jae-chan and others to resolve these issues.
- How can the issue of outflow spending from Sejong be resolved?
▲ Sejong’s total population is 340,000, but about 150,000 people have migrated from nearby cities. Most of these people work in nearby cities. Ultimately, they spend money there and only come to Sejong to sleep. Considering why President Roh Moo-hyun created this city, it was to disperse the metropolitan population, and I think this must be done. To attract population from the metropolitan area, universities, companies, government-affiliated committees, associations, and public institutions located in the metropolitan area must be attracted here. To do that, incentives must be provided and systems established. Creating a residential environment comparable to Seoul is important.
- Does this include transportation?
▲ Transportation is the top priority. I received feedback online about difficulties, and 82% of respondents pointed to transportation issues. If given authority, I will review the overall transportation system and reorganize it as much as citizens want.
- There is also an issue of imbalance within the region.
▲ We must pay close attention. Citizens in the eup and myeon areas have high expectations of me. Ultimately, it is about livelihood. I feel a significant cultural gap with citizens in the new city. Because of that, we need to focus on the economy.
- If there is a specific method?
▲ The population is stagnant. I have continuously pledged to reach a population of 100,000, but it has not been successful due to lack of economic revitalization. Therefore, I plan to include attracting a national industrial complex in my pledges. If this happens, companies from the metropolitan area, preferably large corporations, will be attracted to eup and myeon areas, and people will come. Then, land development will follow, apartments will be built, and consumption will occur here, which would be great.
- A heavyweight contender has come as an opponent. Please point out your unique strengths in comparison.
▲ I was born here. It has been 57 years since I moved here. I know the history and culture of Sejong, which started from Yeongi-gun, very well. Also, through my experience as Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs and political party activities, I deeply understand the citizens’ needs and demands. I have protected this region and will continue to do so. I am not someone who will leave. My father’s grave is here. Since I will be buried here, I cannot and will not lie to the citizens.
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