Yoon Focused on Communication... Expanding Scope through Balanced Development and Integration

Regional Initiatives for Balanced Development and Integration Gain Momentum

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Since his inauguration on the 10th of last month, President Yoon Seok-yeol, who focused on communication, is expanding his scope to regional balanced development and integration.

According to the Presidential Office on the 2nd, President Yoon communicated by walking along the Blue House fortress wall the previous afternoon, chatting with citizens and taking photos. On the 22nd of last month, he visited the Blue House, where the KBS Open Concert was held, and watched the performance with citizens.

On this visit to the Blue House fortress wall, President Yoon wore a black T-shirt and hat with the official name of the Cheonan ship, 'PCC-772'. The Presidential Office stated, "As it was the first day of June, the Month of Patriots and Veterans, it became an opportunity to once again convey President Yoon's pledge to remember 'your sacrifice that protected the Republic of Korea.'"

Having moved to the Yongsan Presidential Office to increase communication with the people without entering the Blue House, which was perceived as a secluded palace, President Yoon has built an image as a 'president among the citizens' by entering the inauguration ceremony with representatives of the people's hopes, minimizing security even on holidays, and purchasing goods at markets and department stores during unofficial schedules.

His efforts toward regional balanced development and integration have also begun in earnest. For his first official event after inauguration, President Yoon attracted attention by attending the April 19th Democratic Movement memorial ceremony, leading a large group including the People Power Party, Presidential Office aides, and ministers from various departments. Notably, as the first conservative government president, he entered through the Democratic Gate and sang the March for the Beloved.

On the 31st of last month, he visited Busan to preside over a joint private-sector meeting for the bid to host the 2030 Busan World Expo, emphasizing the government's commitment to concentrate its capabilities. The Expo is considered one of the world's three major international events alongside the World Cup and the Olympics, and its economic effect is expected to be around 61 trillion won. Therefore, the government holds the position that hosting the Expo is essential for the balanced development of the Busan region.

After the results of the June 1 local elections are announced, President Yoon is expected to accelerate his regional activities. According to exit polls by the three major broadcasters, the People Power Party could secure up to 13 out of 17 metropolitan autonomous entities, and as the vote count progresses, the possibility of defeating the main opposition party, the Democratic Party of Korea, is increasing.

The Presidential Office is reportedly planning to hold a meeting between President Yoon and the heads of the 17 metropolitan governments nationwide as soon as possible. This meeting is interpreted as an intention to establish cooperative relations with local governments and discuss regional balance.