Former Gyeongnam Deputy Governor Kim Byung-kyu Announces Run for General Election: "At Least Solve the Livelihood Issue"

Former Deputy Governor of Economy for Gyeongnam Province, Kim Byung-kyu, officially declared his candidacy for the 22nd National Assembly election representing Jinju-eul, Gyeongnam.

On the 16th, Candidate Kim held a press conference at the Jinju City Hall briefing room and expressed his ambition, saying, "I will revive Jinju's economy to ensure that people's livelihood issues are resolved."

He emphasized, "Right now, politics is not the most important thing; making a living is the top priority," adding, "For this, we need an economic expert who can care for the common people's economy better than anyone else, the ability to create necessary legislation and persuade others, and the dignity of a clean and warm heart."

"I am running to pour all my experience and connections into passing on the spirit of Jinju, which has lasted a thousand years, to our sons and daughters, and to nurture and realize the dream of a new millennium," he said.

Former Deputy Governor of Economy of Gyeongnam Province, Kim Byung-kyu, is declaring his candidacy for the 22nd National Assembly election.
[Photo by Kim Byung-kyu Preliminary Candidate Election Office]

He stated, "The National Assembly election is not about choosing a master but selecting a worker who will work properly," promising, "I will not become a politician who only bows during elections and, once elected, becomes immersed in a sense of privilege and ignores the people."

"I will practice communication politics that listens to even the smallest voices of citizens and values even small promises, and lifestyle politics that relinquishes the 180 privileges," he pledged. "I will be a politician who practices pragmatism and practicality for the greater good of the nation and its people, and who cares for and respects the vulnerable."

"Politics is about ensuring citizens are well-fed and warm," he added. "I believe politics is about scratching the itchy spots so the economy runs well and caring for social minorities such as the disabled, elderly, and low-income groups."

On this day, Candidate Kim presented key pledges including ▲ attracting investment using the K-entrepreneurship capital ▲ promoting integration with Sacheon ▲ establishing a space aviation industry hub ▲ fostering green bio-agriculture and the sixth industry ▲ developing digital manufacturing centered on the Jeongchon root industrial complex ▲ nurturing prestigious high schools ▲ supporting the selection of Gyeongsang National University Chilam Campus Green Startup Town contest ▲ globalizing the Jinju Lantern Festival ▲ and attracting a branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

He also stated, "I will actively support Governor Park Wan-su’s Western region pledges and Mayor Cho Gyu-il’s promises for Jinju," adding, "There can be no separation between the National Assembly member, mayor, and local government heads when it comes to promises for citizens; harmony and cooperation for the citizens must be achieved."

Candidate Kim Byung-kyu (right on the stage) is bowing deeply to the citizens attending the press conference for his candidacy.
[Photo by Kim Byung-kyu Candidate Election Office]

Candidate Kim said, "I will restore Jinju’s pride and create a new Jinju," and added, "I will faithfully uphold my father’s words to value and cherish people and become a devoted representative of Jinju citizens."

Born in Jinju, Candidate Kim has served in various public offices including Director of Financial Policy at the Prime Minister’s Office, Administrative Officer at the Presidential Secretariat’s Economic Secretary Office, Director of Education and Science Budget and Corporate Tax at the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, Personnel Director, and Taxation Director. Most recently, he served as Deputy Governor of Economy for Gyeongnam Province during the 8th civilian administration.