Heo Min, Professor at Chonnam National University, Appointed as Executive Chairperson
Moon In, Head of Buk-gu District, Takes Charge of Government Innovation
'Growth and Integration,' which has positioned itself as the presidential policy think tank for Lee Jaemyung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was officially launched on the 16th. With many figures from Gwangju and Jeonnam participating, the local political community is also paying close attention.
Democratic Party presidential pre-candidate Lee Jae Myung is listening to Baek Junho, CEO of Puriosa AI, introduce Puriosa AI's NPU technology at Puriosa AI in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News
The launch ceremony, held at the National Assembly Library in Yeouido, Seoul, was attended by about 20 party officials, including Senior Supreme Council Member Kim Minseok, Supreme Council Members Lee Eonju and Jun Hyunhee, and Lee Hanju, head of the Democratic Research Institute, along with around 300 founding members. At the event, 'Growth and Integration' also revealed the list of its 34 policy subcommittees.
Yoo Jongil, former Dean of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, and Heo Min, Professor of Earth Environmental Science at Chonnam National University, were named as co-chairpersons. Professor Heo will also serve as co-chair of the Balanced Development Subcommittee and chair of the Climate Crisis Response Subcommittee.
Among elected officials, Moon In, head of Buk-gu District in Gwangju, was the only one to take on a leadership role, becoming co-chair of the Government Innovation Subcommittee. Moon stated, "As a local government leader with experience at both the central and local levels, I will contribute to government innovation."
There were concerns that Moon's participation could potentially violate the Public Official Election Act, given his current official status, but a legal opinion determined that participation is permissible since 'Growth and Integration' is considered an 'external organization.' However, Moon has stated that he will step down from his position if 'Growth and Integration' is later converted into an official election campaign organization.
Moon is also mentioned as one of the potential candidates for Gwangju Mayor in next year's local elections. At the event, other potential candidates, including Kang Gijung, the current Gwangju Mayor, and lawmaker Min Hyeongbae, also made appearances, drawing attention.
Other participants from Gwangju and Jeonnam included Kim Junha, Professor at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (Vice Chair of the AI Subcommittee); Choi Hwanju, former Dean of Chonnam National University Law School (Co-Vice Chair of the Government Innovation Subcommittee); Park Sunghyun, former President of Mokpo National Maritime University (Vice Chair of the Maritime and Fisheries Subcommittee); Kim Sungjin, former President of Gwangju Technopark (Vice Chair of the Industry, Resources, and Energy Subcommittee); Shin Woojin, Professor at Chonnam National University (Co-Vice Chair of the Balanced Development Subcommittee); Hong Seongi, Professor at Mokpo National University (Co-Vice Chair of the Sustainability Subcommittee); and Lee Yunho, Honorary Professor at Suncheon National University (Chief Co-Vice Chair of the Climate Crisis Response Subcommittee).
Heo Min, co-chairperson, stated, "Intellectuals concerned about the country will come together to build a policy platform for national integration and the resolution of national issues."
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