[2022 Local Elections Who's Running] Gwangju Metropolitan City Nam-gu District Mayor

Active Duty Chief Kim Byung-nae Shows Willingness to Seek Re-election... Attention on Whether He Will Retain Position

Kim Yong-jip, Gwangju City Council Chairman, and Park Ki-soo, Gwangju Traffic Broadcasting President, Prepare to Run

From the left in the photo: Kim Byeongnae, Mayor of Nam-gu, Gwangju; Kim Yongjip, Chairman of Gwangju City Council; Park Gisu, President of TBN Gwangju Traffic Broadcasting.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] [Editor's Note] The local elections on June 1 next year are just about 270 days away. This local election will be held immediately after the nation's first-ever 'Cherry Blossom Presidential Election,' and the political landscape could change depending on who becomes the presidential candidate. Political figures aiming for local government heads have already begun strategic maneuvering. Among the five local government heads in the Gwangju area, some have completed trials or are awaiting results, setting the stage for fierce competition between challengers seeking change and incumbent district heads defending their positions. Ahead of the Chuseok holiday, challengers are putting effort into having their names mentioned even once during family and relatives' gatherings. Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters outlines the election landscape for next year's local government head elections by district in the Gwangju area.

The Gwangju Nam-gu district head election is expected to be a showdown between incumbent Kim Byeongnae and challengers.

Kim, the youngest local government head in Gwangju and Jeonnam, is a former member of the first Blue House secretariat under the Moon Jae-in administration, with a broad network considered his strength.

During the last presidential election, he led Forum Gwangju and was known as an organizational genius, building a solid base through strong connections and organizational skills.

As the only local government head in Gwangju to receive the highest grade (SA) for three consecutive years in the nationwide local government head pledge fulfillment evaluation conducted by the Manifesto Practice Headquarters, he has earned high marks for his work execution and leadership.

Among Kim's major achievements are the selection of the Baegun Square Urban Regeneration New Deal Project, the largest in scale since the opening of Nam-gu Office at 87.9 billion KRW, the demolition of Baegun Overpass after 31 years, the construction of the long-awaited Jinwol Complex Sports Ground, improvements to the Jinwol IC entrance and exit roads, and the road construction from Bongseon-dong Daehwa Apartment to the former Haitai Mart in Jinwol-dong worth 49.1 billion KRW.

Challenging Kim for the Nam-gu district head position is Kim Yongjip, chairman of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council.

Kim has actively served as vice-chairman of the Democratic Party Central Policy Committee, chairman of the Gwangju City Council Environment and Welfare Committee, and chairman of the Gwangju FINA World Swimming Championships Support Special Committee.

Currently, as the 8th chairman of the Gwangju City Council, he is credited with successfully innovating the council and leading it smoothly with leadership that proposes alternatives.

He is also praised for his excellent communication skills with residents due to his outstanding friendliness and inclusiveness, as well as his remarkable decisiveness in simplifying and resolving complex issues.

Another strong contender mentioned is Park Gisu, president of TBN Gwangju Traffic Broadcasting.

Park, a graduate of Chosun University, is a native of the Gwangju area who has served as chairman of the Nam-gu Volunteer Center, secretary-general of Forum Gwangju, director of Nam-gu Culture and Arts Center, and director of Nam-gu Youth Training Center.

In April 2017, he contributed to the birth of the Moon Jae-in administration by serving as co-chairman of the Democratic Party Gwangju Metropolitan Party's campaign for candidate Moon Jae-in.

He is also credited with leading practical consultations with the Road Traffic Authority, Gwangju City, and the National Assembly to establish a new driver's license testing center, addressing the unique situation where Gwangju was the only metropolitan city without one.

Known for his excellent rapport with residents and experience as a public official in Nam-gu, he is recognized as someone who knows the region well.

Other names mentioned as potential candidates include Seo Jeongseong, chairman of the Nam-gu Medical Association, and Im Hyeongjin, former director of Gwangju Shinbo.