Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, emphasized that all efforts should be made to resolve key issues such as the establishment of a national medical school.
On the 5th, during the June regular briefing, Governor Kim said, “In the second half of the 8th popularly elected term, let us devote all efforts to solving difficult key tasks such as the establishment of a national medical school, the simultaneous relocation of Gwangju civilian-military airports, and the establishment of Jeonnam Special Self-Governing Province.”
He continued, “We have been recognized for the most outstanding administrative capabilities nationwide over the past two years, achieving the highest score ever in the government joint evaluation,” and urged, “Based on this, let us unite our efforts to solve the important core tasks to be promoted in the second half of the 8th popularly elected term.”
The key tasks for the second half of the 8th popularly elected term include ▲establishment of a national medical school ▲simultaneous relocation of Gwangju civilian-military airports ▲establishment of Jeonnam Special Self-Governing Province ▲globalization of Jeonnam tourism ▲policy vision tours.
Regarding the establishment of the national medical school, Governor Kim said, “Legally, it is a university matter, but for the past 30 years, even when universities applied, it was not approved. Jeonnam Province took the lead by putting the hopes of the residents into one of the important goals, and as a result, obtained the government’s policy to newly establish it in Jeonnam.” He added, “However, since the government also needs to obtain consent from the medical community, the promotion of the national medical school in Jeonnam has been confirmed but not finalized. Therefore, political circles and residents must unite their consensus and make every effort to achieve it until the end.”
He added, “Going forward, we will proceed with a fair and transparent recommendation process through a public contest, and by the end of October, we will report the recommended university to the government.”
In particular, he said, “If universities apply individually to the Ministry of Education as before, even a child would know it is impossible. Everyone must participate in the public contest, accept the results, and strongly request the government with one voice for it to be possible.” He urged, “To this end, we plan to communicate and persuade the two universities and regions to participate in the contest and proceed fairly. While there will be competition, I hope you will join the effort to unite our intentions.”
Regarding the simultaneous relocation of Gwangju civilian-military airports, he assessed, “For the revitalization of Muan International Airport, the Gwangju civilian airport and military airport must be relocated simultaneously. This is a path for mutual growth between Gwangju and Jeonnam and a matter that must be resolved.”
He also stated, “Jeonnam Province has made self-help efforts such as announcing the 3 trillion won Muan project, and as a mediator between Muan County and Gwangju City, as well as a coordinator for Jeonnam residents, we will fulfill our role.” He added, “It is commendable that Gwangju City recently started persuading Muan residents. I believe that if Gwangju City, which needs the military airport relocation, and the government firmly prepare policy alternatives to address issues such as noise damage and persuade the residents, the problem will be resolved.”
Furthermore, he emphasized, “Although it has been 30 years since local autonomy, actual authority is held by central government ministries, so it is local autonomy in name only.” He stressed, “Through the ‘Jeonnam Special Self-Governing Province to Overcome the Crisis of Local Extinction,’ we will fight to receive tailored transfers of necessary central government authorities and additionally secure financial incentives, solving problems starting with Jeonnam. Afterwards, we will share these achievements with other provinces and generalize them.”
In addition, he urged ▲successful promotion of the Jeonnam World Tourism and Culture Expo over three years and revitalization of Muan International Airport to lay the foundation for global Jeonnam tourism ▲establishment of customized long-term visions for each city and county through policy vision tours ▲thorough disaster prevention and safety management by focusing on construction facilities, drainage, sewers, retaining walls, and landslide risk areas before the summer rainy season ▲creating a joyful workplace so that employees can serve residents with a sense of achievement, belonging, and joy.
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