'Pro-Lee Jae-myung' Kang Wonil to Officially Take Office as Jeollanam-do Vice Governor for Economic Affairs on June 17

Final Decision of "Qualified" Made by Personnel Committee
"Key Man" to Resolve Issues Such as Military Airport Relocation

Kang Wonil, Standing Advisor of the Democratic Party National Innovation Council.

Kang Wonil, Standing Advisor of the Democratic Party National Innovation Council and a prominent figure classified as a pro-Lee Jae-myung member, will be appointed as Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Jeollanam-do Province.

According to Jeollanam-do Province and local political circles on June 16, the province will appoint Advisor Kang as the new Vice Governor for Economic Affairs on June 17, succeeding Park Changhwan, the former Vice Governor for Economic Affairs (Vice Governor for Political Affairs).

The province has convened personnel committees and conducted an in-depth vetting process for Advisor Kang, and it is reported that a final decision of "qualified" has been reached.

According to relevant ordinances, the Vice Governor for Economic Affairs oversees provincial administration in areas such as job creation and the development of key industries. The role also includes overall responsibility for external cooperation with the provincial assembly, the central government, the National Assembly, and economic organizations, as well as assisting the governor in political affairs.

Advisor Kang, a prominent pro-Lee Jae-myung figure with nationwide recognition outside of the National Assembly, is considered the "best choice" to resolve long-standing regional issues that have seen little progress for years, such as the establishment of a national medical school, the renewable energy project, and the relocation of Gwangju military and civilian airports.

However, some have expressed criticism, pointing out that the Vice Governor for Economic Affairs position has typically been filled by former Ministry of Economy and Finance officials, and raising suspicions that this appointment is a strategic move by Governor Kim Younrok in preparation for a potential third term.

Nevertheless, given Advisor Kang's close relationship with President Lee Jaemyung?having served as President Lee's confidant and as President of the Gyeonggi Agro-Food Distribution Corporation during Lee's tenure as Governor of Gyeonggi Province, where he successfully implemented the nation's first basic income pilot project?he is expected to serve as a crucial bridge between the central government and Jeollanam-do Province.

An official from Jeollanam-do Province stated, "It is true that there have been a variety of opinions and concerns since the possibility of Advisor Kang being appointed as Vice Governor for Economic Affairs was raised. However, with the launch of the Lee Jaemyung administration, expectations for a 'key man' capable of resolving the region's stalled issues have never been higher. Advisor Kang is fully capable, and we believe he will faithfully fulfill his role."