Camping Site Election Office, First 'Media Day'... Kang Gijeong's Image Transformation

"Confident in Both Party and Public Support"... Ready to Avenge Four Years Ago

Kang Ki-jung, a preliminary candidate for mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City from the Democratic Party of Korea, held a media day at the Kangchu Camp on the 19th to strengthen communication.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] 'Strengthening Communication through Media Day'

At 11 a.m. on the 19th, at Gwangju Seo-gu Gangchu Camp (the office of the Democratic Party’s Kang Gi-jeong, Gwangju mayoral candidate’s primary election campaign headquarters). This place, set up on the 3rd floor of a wedding hall, was distinctly different from a typical election space.

Thanks to the high ceiling and open interior layout, it was a venue that well reflected Candidate Kang’s philosophy emphasizing 'communication leadership.' It was set up with five field tents used as reception rooms and meeting rooms. It was an unusual fusion combination. The camp explained, "It is a spatial attempt designed like a real campsite where any Gwangju citizen can take a break or stay for a while."

A communication event inviting journalists was held in this space that 'lowered the threshold and added fun.' It is said to be the first attempt among candidates in local elections.

Candidate Kang has been working to shed his 'radical image' by engaging in activities such as immersing himself in seawater and interacting with his pet dog. This event was also prepared with this purpose in mind.

On one side, a porter wall densely covered with phrases like 'Preparation is complete' and 'Please take care of Gwangju!' was installed, and Candidate Kang stood in front of it, receiving a shower of camera shutters.

Five days before the Democratic Party’s Gwangju mayoral primary, he showed both nervousness like a 'groom-to-be' and, on the other hand, hope and confidence dreaming of a new start.

The primary will be held over four days from the 24th to the 27th, using a national participation primary system (50% party members, 50% general public opinion).

Former journalist and lawmaker Kim Ui-gyeom also attended, boosting the atmosphere for Candidate Kang’s momentum-building.

"Kang Gi-jeong is competent, contrary to appearances." (Lawmaker Kim)

Loud laughter erupted in the venue. Candidate Kang was among those laughing.

"There is both comedy and tragedy in the phrase 'contrary to appearances.' Kang Gi-jeong is often described as simple, ignorant, and radical, which is true." More laughter followed. "It’s true... but I consider it a strength. I am simple. Not just simple, but there is a straightforwardness in seeing the essence of things and understanding situations concisely."

After finishing a long speech in a friendly tone, Candidate Kang, the main figure of the event, took the microphone.

Candidate Kang said, "Because I have been loyal to the party for a long time, overwhelming party support remains with me," and added, "The public’s demand for change is also with me, who is at the center of change."

He concretized the '5 million metropolitan economic integration' he advocated four years ago and presented the 'Gwangju New Economic Map' as a blueprint. The core idea is to foster industry and make Gwangju an interesting city by creating five new industrial zones and five new vitality special districts.

Candidate Kang finished his brief remarks and immediately invited questions from the press.

Regarding the question about his 'strategy for TV debates,' he said, "Four years ago, I failed miserably because I went negative," and added, "At that time, I pursued the fact that Candidate Lee was an administrative officer at the Chun Doo-hwan Blue House, but I was completely defeated."

He emphasized, "Negative campaigning cannot move the hearts of citizens," and said, "There will be three consecutive TV debates starting today, and negativity is unnecessary. Only confident policies and verification remain." He continued, "I intend to carefully navigate between verification and negativity without crossing the line and to win narrowly."

Regarding the 'drunken assault rumor' that he allegedly assaulted a university professor at a drinking party, he dismissed it as "gossip," and uniquely asked the reporter who asked the question among many journalists, "Which media outlet are you from?"

When his brief answer ended the conversation, the reporter asked, "Is there anything else you would like to say?" but no further dialogue followed. The media day event ended with 'brief communication.' The event lasted about 30 minutes, and about five reporters asked questions.

With the Yoon Seok-yeol administration soon to be launched, there are many concerns about whether budget securing might face difficulties. Candidate Kang said, "It is true that there is great concern that Gwangju might be neglected and isolated again since there is no Honam-origin among the ministerial nominees."

He added, "I will communicate and strategize with the 172-seat reformed Democratic Party legislative power and eight local district lawmakers," and emphasized, "I will consistently raise my voice so that the new government will have the will to strongly drive balanced development policies."