[New Year's Address] Kang Gijung, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City

"Gwangju Prepares for the Korea of Tomorrow"

Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju.

We pray for the souls of the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster.

We bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the New Year of 2025. The shock of martial law and the pain of the tragedy still linger, and the livelihood economy stands at the edge of a cliff.

In 2024, yesterday's Gwangju protected today's Republic of Korea. The May 18 Democratization Movement was reborn as a revolution of light, torches became cheering sticks, and rice balls were revived as prepayment, all to safeguard Korea.

In 2025, today's Gwangju will prepare for the Korea of tomorrow. Democracy, damaged by a ruthless president, will become stronger through the impeachment of the president and the punishment of those involved in the rebellion. Korea now faces the triple hardships of entrenched low growth, strengthened protectionism, and a political crisis triggered by impeachment.

The city of Gwangju will build a breakwater for the livelihood economy through expansionary fiscal policy, preparing for the future with one hand in the cultural industry and the other in future industries.

First, the more difficult the livelihood economy becomes, the more expansionary fiscal policy is the answer. In the new year, Gwangju has set a budget of 7.6 trillion won, an increase of about 700 billion won from last year. This budget will be used to warm the frozen wallets of citizens. In January, the discount rate for the Win-Win Card will be raised to 10%, and the G-Pass, a half-price public transportation card, will be introduced. Additional support will be provided for small business owners, self-employed individuals, and workers in small and medium-sized enterprises to help balance work and family life, and policy funds for 12 different economic actors will be expanded.

Second, we will expand the scope of consumption through the "Visit Gwangju Year" initiative. The new year marks the 45th anniversary of May 18, the World Human Rights Cities Forum, the Design Biennale, and the World Archery Championships. We will solidify the Visit Gwangju Year by linking sports tourism with Kia Tigers and Gwangju FC, city branding utilizing author Han Kang's Nobel Prize, and events such as the Gwangju G-Festa.

Third, AI, future vehicles, and RE100 will become Gwangju's engines of growth. The AX Demonstration Valley project will be in full swing, and an ecosystem for new future vehicle industries will be established. Through the RE100 project group, we will also pursue the development of a wide-area energy business model.

In 2025, the city will fully implement its large-scale, self-sufficient, and sustainable (Dae-Ja-Bo) urban initiatives to respond to the climate crisis. The first phase of Subway Line 2 will be completed, and a comprehensive reorganization of the bus route system will begin. Pedestrian paths will also be gradually opened.

Dear citizens, Gwangju is not just a place name. It is the indomitable will for human dignity and a precious value embodying the spirit of sharing and coexistence. We will strive even harder to ensure that the name Gwangju becomes a source of pride for all citizens.

Wishing you abundant blessings in the Year of Eulsayeon. Thank you.