At the Press Conference on the 7th, Revealed Thoughts on Provincial Affairs
"Avoid Exhaustive East-West Debates, Resolve Through Harmony"
Urged Gwangju's Progressive Stance on Military Airport Relocation Issue
On the afternoon of the 7th, Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok held a press conference in the provincial government press room, revealing his thoughts on current provincial issues such as the establishment of a national medical school and the relocation of Gwangju military airport. [Photo by Jeollanam-do]
Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, opened up about his thoughts on the province's biggest issues, including the establishment of the National Jeonnam Medical School and the relocation of the Gwangju military airport.
On the 7th, Governor Kim held an unscheduled press briefing at the provincial government press room and reiterated the establishment of an integrated medical school, stating that "the integration method between Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University is realistically certain and justified." The reason Governor Kim brought up the national medical school issue again is interpreted as a need for a practical approach and urgent preparation of alternatives rather than continuing futile debates.
Governor Kim said, “The government will discuss expanding medical school quotas until the 2026 academic year, but what happens afterward is uncertain,” adding, “I believe this is the last chance, and I will do my best.” This statement reflects his hope that the conflict between the western and eastern regions of Jeonnam over the medical school issue will be resolved through dialogue and reason, fostering harmony between east and west rather than deepening divisions.
Governor Kim also expressed his views on the increasingly complicated issue of relocating the Gwangju military airport. He referred to a recent statement by the Gwangju Civic Groups Council and expressed gratitude for their deep understanding of the significance of the military airport relocation.
Kim Young-rok said, “It is very important that they honestly acknowledged that the military airport relocation is not a welcome facility due to issues such as noise pollution,” and added, “This will also be a comfort to the residents of Muan County.” He further stated, “We will continue to listen attentively to the voices of the Gwangju Civic Groups Council.”
Regarding Jeonnam Province’s stance on the military airport relocation, he emphasized, “It is clear that the military airport should be relocated to Muan International Airport, which is a civilian airport,” and stressed, “Concrete alternatives that can persuade the residents of Muan County are necessary.”
Governor Kim also urged Gwangju City to apologize for its ‘lack of conscience’ remarks toward the residents of Muan County and to engage in sincere dialogue with a progressive attitude, stating, “If genuine dialogue begins, I am ready to talk at any time.”
He went on to say, “This year, the damage caused by rice planthoppers worsened due to weather disasters such as heatwaves and abnormal high temperatures,” adding, “The province and members of the National Assembly actively responded, and the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that rice planthopper damage is recognized as a disaster, which brought comfort to the affected farmers. We welcome this.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to efforts to have regions such as Haenam, Yeongam, Gangjin, and Jangheung, which suffered increased damage from rice planthoppers and heavy rains, declared special disaster areas.
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