Gyeonggi Province Governor Candidate Kang Yong-seok, "Mandatory Closure of Large Supermarkets by Unjust Law Must Be Abolished"

"No evidence of increased sales or job growth in traditional markets during 10 years of regulation"
"Instead of forcibly driving out large marts with regulations, we must enhance the competitiveness of traditional markets"

Gyeonggi Province gubernatorial candidate Kang Yong-seok (far right in the photo) announced his pledge to abolish the regulation mandating large marts to close twice a month in front of Uijeongbu Shinsegae E-Mart on the afternoon of the 10th. Photo by Ra Young-cheol

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Kang Yong-seok, a preliminary candidate for Gyeonggi Province governor who has consistently raised allegations of 'sexual bribery' against Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, has pledged to abolish the regulation that forces large supermarkets in Gyeonggi Province to close twice a month.

On the afternoon of the 10th, Kang Yong-seok made this announcement in front of the Shinsegae E-Mart in Uijeongbu, stating, "Has the life of traditional market merchants improved or have their sales increased because of regulations on large supermarkets?" He added, "Closing large supermarkets twice a month does not revitalize traditional markets, and only inconveniences working couples and consumers who shop once a week."

Kang said that the damage caused by regulations on large supermarkets has been borne by the supermarkets themselves, their employees, and consumers.

He pointed out, "Due to forced closures twice a month, about 6.6% of jobs for shift workers at large supermarkets have been lost," and added, "After 10 years of regulating large supermarkets, there is no evidence that traditional market sales have increased or that jobs have grown."

He further emphasized, "The decade-long regulation of large supermarkets, which started with good intentions, has become a prime example of regulations leading to the worst outcomes," and stressed, "Desk-bound administration and oppressive regulations should no longer exist in Gyeonggi Province."

Kang identified 'enhancing competitiveness' as a way to revitalize traditional markets.

He said, "From the days of using communal restrooms in poor neighborhoods to becoming a lawyer, a member of the National Assembly, and a journalist, I have competed fairly with competitiveness without pulling others down," adding, "Instead of trying to bring others down because they are doing well, it is important to develop one's own competitiveness first."

He continued, "It is necessary to strengthen differentiated products, services, hygiene, flow, parking, and shopping experiences that highlight the unique characteristics of traditional markets," emphasizing, "Traditional markets should become places where consumers can conveniently purchase special products that cannot be found even in large supermarkets."

He promised, "We will make traditional markets capable of surviving the endless competition with online shopping," and "Through all cooperative measures, residents will always be free to use large supermarkets."

Kang stated, "We have included all legal issues related to abolishing or opposing regulations defined by law in our pledges," and added, "Specific countermeasures will be thoroughly explained through discussions to ensure full understanding."

He concluded, "I will always remember the passionate support and backing of the residents of northern Gyeonggi Province and will surely achieve progress."

Since declaring his candidacy for governor of Gyeonggi Province, Kang Yong-seok has been touring specific areas within the province to hold major pledge announcement events.

Meanwhile, prior to the pledge announcement, regarding the release of a phone recording related to the 'sexual bribery allegations' against Lee Jun-seok on the previous day (the 9th), Kang asked for understanding, saying, "There were circumstances that made it unavoidable to make that call at the time."

The Garosero Research Institute (Gaseyeon), for which Kang serves as a representative, previously raised allegations that Lee received sexual bribery from Kim Sung-jin, CEO of iKist, in 2013.