[Yoon Suk-yeol Dismissal] Governor Kim Youngrok: "A Great Victory for the People"

Statement to Residents Following Constitutional Court's Impeachment Decision
Measures to Overcome Petrochemical and Steel Industry Crises
Urges Government for 30 Trillion Won Super Supplementary Budget
Pledges Steadfast Provincial Administration

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok is delivering a public address to the residents regarding the "Impeachment of President Yoon Sukyeol" on the morning of the 4th at the provincial government briefing room. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Kim Yungrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, stated on the 4th, "Now that the era of chaos has ended, I will focus all efforts on restoring the people's livelihood and economy. I hope the government will swiftly implement measures to expand local finances and overcome the crisis in the petrochemical and steel industries, and boldly invest in Jeonnam's core industries."

Governor Kim made these remarks during a statement to the residents at the provincial government briefing room regarding the National Assembly's impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying, "This is a victory for the great people who united with one will to protect the Constitution, justice, and democracy."

He continued, "Due to the illegal emergency martial law on December 3 and the 111-day impeachment crisis, national administration was virtually halted, and extreme confrontation and conflict deepened. The people's livelihoods froze, forcing them to endure economic hardship, and even the nation's competitiveness was greatly weakened," adding, "Now is the time for us to unite and vigorously leap forward toward a new Republic of Korea."

He emphasized the recovery of the people's livelihood and economy. Governor Kim said, "Right after the impeachment bill was passed last year, Jeollanam-do implemented an emergency livelihood stabilization plan worth 118.5 billion won, and this time, we have organized a supplementary budget of 537.3 billion won," pledging, "We will do our utmost to restore struggling local businesses, boost the construction industry, and strengthen the competitiveness of the petrochemical and steel industries."

He urged the government to allocate a super supplementary budget of 30 trillion won for the recovery of livelihoods and local finances. Governor Kim said, "Over the past two years, due to tax revenue shortfalls, Jeollanam-do's general grants and local taxes decreased by 380 billion won, and the grants to the province and cities/counties this year are down by 1.75 trillion won compared to 2022. This means a reduction of 1 million won per resident in the budget," adding, "Do not shift the burden of tax revenue shortfalls solely to local governments, and I urge the government to come up with special measures."

He also requested countermeasures in response to the expansion of global supply and the tariff policies of the Trump administration. Key requests include: ▲ Designating the Yeosu area as an industrial crisis response and employment crisis area within April ▲ Promptly reviewing the designation of the Gwangyang steel industry as an industrial crisis response area ▲ Lowering industrial electricity rates and extending the exemption period for LNG and LPG tariffs ▲ Enacting a 'Special Act on National Key Industry Crisis' to establish an immediate pan-government response system ▲ Preparing exceptional support measures to attract investment in the world's largest 'Solaseado AI Super Cluster Hub' ▲ Thoroughly investigating the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, supporting bereaved families, and enacting a special law to prevent recurrence.

He also expressed the need to promote constitutional amendments to substantially strengthen political and social reform and local autonomy after the launch of the new government. Governor Kim Yungrok pledged, "As the early presidential election will be held in a short period, we will do our utmost to ensure the election proceeds in an orderly and stable manner, prioritize the safety of residents, and focus administrative power accordingly," adding, "We will significantly strengthen on-site inspections to prevent wildfires, thoroughly prepare for natural disasters such as heavy rain and typhoons in summer, establish strict discipline among public officials, and fulfill our responsibilities for the residents."