Inauguration of Gu Chung-gon as the New Commissioner of Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority

Strong Drive and Extensive Experience in Local and University Administration
Expecting Vitality in Development Projects Including Investment Attraction

Gu Chung-gon, former Hwasun County Governor, was inaugurated as the new Commissioner of the Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority on the 11th.

New Commissioner Gu Chung-gon holds a Ph.D. in engineering specializing in advanced maritime transportation systems. He has accumulated diverse administrative experience and policy capabilities through his previous roles as a Jeonnam Provincial Assembly member (8th term), President of Jeonnam Provincial College (6th term), and Hwasun County Governor (6th and 7th elected terms).

Goo Chung-gon, the new commissioner of the Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority Photo by Gwangyang Economic Authority

In particular, during his tenure as county governor, he focused on revitalizing the local economy and attracting investment, successfully securing large-scale national projects such as the Microbial Validation Support Center and the National Immunotherapy Platform, which elevated Hwasun to a new level as a hub for the bio-industry.

Since April, an open recruitment process for the position was conducted to select the right candidate to lead a new leap forward for the Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority. The selection involved an open competition for the position, a selection examination committee, and a personnel committee, followed by prior appointment consultations with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

During the selection process, Commissioner Gu Chung-gon was highly evaluated for his diverse administrative experience and drive, accurate understanding of the current status of the Gwangyang Economic Authority, presentation of future vision, and broad personal network, which enhance the feasibility of attracting domestic and foreign investment.

Marking its 20th anniversary this year, the Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority has so far attracted 473 domestic and international companies, investments totaling 25.8 trillion won, and created approximately 51,106 jobs, driving regional economic growth.

New Commissioner Gu Chung-gon expressed his ambition, stating, “Based on the experience I have accumulated so far, I will do my best to attract strategic industries and anchor companies that will lead the future development of the Gwangyang Bay Area and resolve major issues so that the Gwangyang Bay Area can establish itself as a global economic hub.”