Why Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam, Decided to Run for Governor of Gyeonggi-do

Governor Kim's 'One-Day Honorary Gyeonggi Province Governor' Activity on the 23rd
First Approval is 'Expansion of Jeonnam Eco-Friendly Agricultural Products Supply'

Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok and Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon are pledging mutual cooperation between the two local governments.
[Photo by Jeollanam-do]

Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, served as the ‘One-day Honorary Governor of Gyeonggi-do’ on the 23rd, during which he strengthened the friendship between the two provinces by establishing practical win-win cooperation measures such as expanding the supply of Jeonnam eco-friendly agricultural products to Gyeonggi-do school meals, promoting renewable energy, and hometown love donations.

Governor Kim Young-rok’s activity as the One-day Honorary Governor of Gyeonggi-do was held at the invitation of Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi-do to further strengthen the win-win development between the two provinces, which have cooperated in various fields such as the energy industry and agriculture and fisheries since the 2022 mutual cooperation agreement.

In the morning at the reception hall, when Governor Kim Dong-yeon expressed his welcome, Governor Kim Young-rok responded by discussing the historical connections of the two regions, their current relationship, and future win-win development.

Governor Kim Young-rok said, “Jeonnam and Gyeonggi share the same historical roots, starting from the ancient Mahan region, and are inheriting and developing the spirit of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, who compiled practical learning in the late Joseon period.” He added, “There are many commonalities for win-win cooperation, such as many Jeonnam residents living in Gyeonggi-do,” and emphasized, “In this new era of change, including climate change and the crisis of local extinction, the two provinces must join forces for regional and national development.”

The two governors also jointly launched the ‘365 Campaign,’ where each person donates 1,000 won per day, totaling 365,000 won annually, to ensure the stable establishment of the hometown love donation system and to spread a culture of mutual donations.

Following this, Governor Kim Young-rok received the ‘One-day Honorary Governor of Gyeonggi-do Appointment Certificate’ from Governor Kim Dong-yeon and presided over the Gyeonggi Provincial Government executive meeting as the honorary governor.

The first approval by the One-day Honorary Governor of Gyeonggi-do was the ‘Plan to Expand Supply through Contract Farming of Jeonnam Eco-friendly Agricultural Products for Gyeonggi-do School Meals.’

Governor Kim Young-rok emphasized that the plan to expand contract farming supply from 69 tons in 2024 to 500 tons in 2028 is a beneficial policy for both regions, contributing to guaranteeing the health rights of Gyeonggi students and creating stable income for Jeonnam farmers, and requested cooperation in expanding the purchase of Jeonnam eco-friendly agricultural products.

Governor Kim Young-rok also received work reports from Gyeonggi provincial directors on joint cooperation and win-win tasks between Jeonnam and Gyeonggi in six areas including energy, agriculture, tourism, and youth exchange, and discussed future cooperation plans.

A welcoming event for Honam natives was also held. Choi Soon-mo, President of the National Honam Hometown Association, along with Honam natives, visited the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and held a tea meeting with Governor Kim Young-rok. At this event, Governor Kim explained the win-win cooperation plans with Gyeonggi-do and encouraged active participation in the ‘Policy Vision Tour,’ which has been promoted since this year to develop regional development plans together with nationwide hometown natives.