[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Kim Youngchun, who was confirmed as the final candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea for the April 7 Busan mayoral by-election, announced on the 6th, "I will become an economic mayor who creates 1.3 million jobs and achieves $20 billion in exports by 2025."
In his acceptance speech that afternoon, Kim said, "I will create Busan as a world economic city that everyone envies."
He stated, "By 2025, I will create a total of 1.3 million new jobs at 250,000 per year and achieve $20 billion in exports, making Busan's economy leap forward significantly compared to now."
His pledges include the completion of Gadeokdo New Airport, the successful hosting of the Busan World Expo, and the completion of the Bu-Ul-Gyeong (Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam) megacity. Kim said, "I will clearly show how the Democratic Party and Kim Youngchun successfully make this happen," and emphasized, "The mayor elected this time will have a term of only 1 year and 2 months. Important decisions that will determine Busan's fate must be made within this short period."
Regarding the opposition party, the People Power Party, Kim said, "During the time when the People Power Party monopolized power, Busan's population decreased by 500,000. Universities are facing crises due to lack of students, and self-employed people are complaining about poor business," and asked, "What would happen if we entrust Busan to the People Power Party again?"
He added, "The People Power Party candidate, who prepared for a year, is being fiercely chased by Kim Youngchun, who prepared for only a month. Soon, I will catch up and show party members and citizens the moment of a great comeback victory," raising his voice, "I will definitely win to solve Busan's crisis and develop it into the Singapore of Northeast Asia."
The Democratic Party's election management committee announced that, based on the combined results of party members' votes and virtual mobile electorate votes, preliminary candidate Kim secured 67.64%, surpassing preliminary candidates Byun Sungwan (25.12%) and Park Inyoung (7.14%), and was confirmed as the final candidate.
Preliminary candidate Kim served as a member of the National Assembly in the 16th, 17th, and 20th sessions and was the first Minister of Oceans and Fisheries under the Moon Jae-in administration. After losing in the 21st general election, he served as the Secretary-General of the National Assembly.
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