[Yoon Suk-yeol Dismissal] "Victory for Gwangju Citizens... Overcoming Crisis Through Innovation"

Gwangju City, Public Corporations, and Funded Institutions Pay Tribute at May 18th Democratic Cemetery
Calls for Proposals on Presidential Election Pledges and Innovation for Gwangju's Future
Discussion on Economic Situation Checks, Presidential Election Pledges, and Measures to Stabilize the People's Livelihood Economy

Gwangju Mayor Kang Kijeong is presiding over the "Gwangju City-Public Institution Integrated Emergency On-site Executive Meeting" at the Democratic Hall of the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu on the afternoon of the 4th. Provided by Gwangju City

On the 4th, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung presided over the 'Gwangju City-Public Institutions Integrated Emergency On-Site Executive Meeting' at the Minjugwan of the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery following the Constitutional Court's dismissal of President Yoon Sukyeol, and called for proposals for presidential election pledges for Gwangju's future development and overcoming the crisis through innovation.

About 60 participants, including Gwangju city executives, heads of public corporations and foundations, and directors of funded institutions, attended the emergency on-site executive meeting. Prior to the meeting, they paid tribute at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery.

The emergency on-site executive meeting focused on discussion of ▲ the progress of daily economic situation checks and measures to stabilize the people's livelihood economy following the president's dismissal ▲ preparations for presidential election pledges for the shining future city of Gwangju.

Mayor Kang said, "When martial law was declared on December 3 last year, Gwangju City immediately convened an executive meeting, and Gwangju's leaders gathered at City Hall to hold a joint meeting for constitutional protection and the declaration of non-cooperation with emergency martial law. This decision and action were not by anyone's order, but a legacy passed down to us by the Gwangju community of May 1980. That was the power of Gwangju. I would like to once again thank the spirits of May who helped us in the present and the citizens of Gwangju who have not forgotten the past."

He continued, "During the past 123 days, politics was chaotic and the economy was truly difficult. Although the president's national clock stopped, Gwangju's clock never stopped for a moment," explaining the response measures promoted by Gwangju City to protect the local economy.

The city actively responded for the recovery of the people's livelihood economy by promoting ▲ 'Gwangju Economy All Together Step-by-Step' ▲ stimulating consumption in the people's livelihood economy through special discounts on the Win-Win Card ▲ communication with businesses on-site ▲ operation of the Export Industry Support Team ▲ activation of the three major emergency response systems for supplementary budgets, trade, and people's livelihood.

Mayor Kang said, "Even in difficult circumstances, Gwangju City and public institutions held a 'Gwangju Economy All Together Step-by-Step' pledge event, and promoted consumption stimulation policies through special discounts on the Win-Win Card and expansion of regular cafeteria closures. We are also working to expand Gwangju's consumption base through the proclamation ceremony of the Year of Visiting Gwangju," adding, "From the beginning of the year, we have visited local conglomerates such as Kumho Tire, Kia Motors, and Samsung Electronics in succession, and have also operated the Export Industry Support Team to devise countermeasures against the Trump-initiated tariff bomb."

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong visited the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu on the afternoon of the 4th and left a message in the guestbook before paying respects. Photo by Gwangju City

In particular, Mayor Kang emphasized, "Due to the delay in the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling, public conflict and economic uncertainty have intensified the difficulties of the people's livelihood economy, so since the 31st of last month, we have converted the daily situation meeting with bureau and department heads into a daily economic situation check meeting every morning, and are making all-out efforts to check and respond to issues that may affect the local economy."

The city has held a total of five daily economic situation check meetings from the 31st of last month to this day. The current situation of Gwangju Global Motors (GGM), which has been experiencing labor-management conflict since last year, and Daewoo Winia, which is undergoing corporate rehabilitation procedures (court receivership), was checked and response measures were reviewed.

In addition, in response to the difficulties faced by local small and medium-sized enterprises due to the Trump administration's announcement of reciprocal tariffs, Gwangju City, together with the Gwangju-Jeonnam Small and Medium Business Administration, Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, and Korea International Trade Association, is preparing various export support programs. Several financial support programs, such as new market entry support funds and export company guarantee funds, are underway, and this year, a total of 1178 companies will receive support amounting to 221.2 billion won.

Mayor Kang said, "Now it is time for an early presidential election," adding, "The most important thing for us now is to create a vision and pledges for Gwangju and present them to the people."

He also said, "Gwangju City is preparing its own pledges to open a new growth plate for Korea, focusing on three major growth engines: AI-driven growth, culture-driven growth, and sustainable growth," and emphasized, "The city and public institutions will inform citizens of these plans and deliver them to political parties. We must do our utmost to ensure that they are adopted as pledges by the new presidential candidates and reflected as national pledges by the elected president."

Meanwhile, regarding the role of local governments, Mayor Kang said, "When the role of the central government is limited, the role of local governments and public institutions, which are closely connected to residents, becomes very important," and urged, "There is much we must do until the process of forming a new government is complete. We must respond with a heavy sense of responsibility."