Kim Dong-yeon: "Both Economy and Democracy Are in Crisis... The Solution Is a People-Centered Economy"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is speaking at the '1st World Democracy Day Commemoration Ceremony' held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly on the 26th.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon defined the current situation as a crisis for both the economy and democracy, proposing a "people-centered economy (Humarnomics)" as a solution.

On the 26th, Governor Kim attended the "2024 Gyeonggi International Democracy Forum" held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Council's main conference room, stating, "The development-era success model that once drove our economy no longer works. Democracy is being threatened by elected powers. It is deeply questionable whether democracy is even being practiced within the political sphere."

The forum was held in commemoration of the 17th World Democracy Day (September 15), designated by the United Nations (UN), under the theme "Korean Democracy’s Response to Global Crisis," featuring a commemorative ceremony.

In his commemorative speech, Governor Kim said, "We have lived proud that we achieved democracy following industrialization, but democracy is under threat not only in Korea but worldwide. There is a global trend where deepening polarization and the collapse of the middle class lead to recession, followed by demagogic or populist politics."

He added, "Demagogic politics, divisive politics that split people into two camps, and even politics that divides within the same side?these are reasons that severely damage our democracy. As someone responsible for policy for a long time, I feel ashamed. It is time to reflect on and reconsider the spirit of democracy in our daily lives."

He continued, "I believe that people are at the center of the crises in both the economy and democracy. That is why the provincial government advocates a people-centered economy, investing in new growth engines, expanding the middle class, care services, and people to create an economy where people are properly respected and can actively participate. Gyeonggi Province will take the lead in creating new frameworks for democracy and the economy. We will demonstrate through action that if Gyeonggi changes, Korea changes."

Governor Kim also expressed regret over the president’s veto of the special law concerning Corporal Chae Sang-byeong.

He said, "If Corporal Chae Su-geun were alive, today would be his discharge day," and added, "I express regret over the continuous exercise of veto power against the democratization merit law and the special law for Corporal Chae, which have passed the National Assembly. I hope such acts that drive a nail into the hearts of our people and bereaved families will now come to an end."

The event was hosted and organized by the Seongnam Democratization Movement Association and sponsored by Gyeonggi Province. About 150 people attended, including Governor Kim Dong-yeon, Gyeonggi Provincial Council Vice Chairman Jeong Yun-gyeong, council members Guk Jung-beom, Choi Man-sik, Moon Seung-ho, Lee Hae-hak, advisor to the National Council of Democratization Movement Memorial Organizations, and representatives from various regional organizations.