Likely to Serve as Regional Chairperson... "Will Make It Official at Press Conference"
Recognizes Governor Myeong Hyungwan's Integrity... "Lacked Drive in Administration"
"Public Projects Increasing County's Financial Burden, Pressuring Haenam's Finances"
Seo Haegeun, a member of the Haenam County Council in South Jeolla Province, has announced his intention to join the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and officially run for Haenam County Governor.
On September 23, Seo told Asia Economy, "I have joined the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, and the proposal for me to serve as the head of the Haenam, Jindo, and Wando Council (regional chairperson) has passed the Supreme Council. Only the Party Affairs Committee's approval remains," adding, "I will soon hold a press conference to announce my future political plans and my candidacy for county governor."
He explained his decision to run by strongly criticizing the overall administration of Haenam County. Seo stated, "Haenam County claims to have reached a budget of 1 trillion won, but residents hardly feel any tangible benefits. Although the county has abundant cultural and tourism resources, these are not being properly utilized, and the region still remains focused solely on agricultural and fisheries production."
He continued, "Haenam boasts nationwide production volumes of cabbage, rice, and sweet potatoes, but the distribution structure does not allow producers to set prices. There is a need for improvements, such as revitalizing the sixth industrial sector."
Seo also pointed out that while Haenam County is gaining attention as a cluster for eco-friendly energy, local residents are not reaping any real benefits. He said, "Electricity generated in areas like Shinan and Jindo passes through Haenam on its way to the Seoul metropolitan area, so there should be compensation in the form of an energy transit fee. We need village power plants or energy self-sufficiency models that involve local residents."
Regarding the current governor, Myeong Hyun-gwan, Seo offered a balanced assessment. He said, "I acknowledge that Governor Myeong has promoted integrity and fairness as his slogans. However, many residents feel that his administration has lacked drive and a sense of urgency. Although there have been many large-scale public projects, the budget for people's livelihoods has been relatively insufficient."
Seo also expressed a critical view of renewable energy projects such as the large-scale complex development 'Solar City.' He said, "By establishing a commercial district in Solar City, commercial areas outside Haenam-eup have been neglected, and concentrating public projects there has increased the county's financial burden. Haenam County's independent financial resources account for only 7 percent, so investing in land at hundreds of thousands of won per pyeong to attract businesses is eating into the budget for residents' welfare."
He added, "The construction progress in the Solar City development zone is only in the 30 percent range. There have also been cases where national public projects initially promised 100 percent central government funding, but later reduced it to 50 percent, which could suddenly force Haenam County to bear tens or even hundreds of billions of won in costs."
Seo concluded, "I am considering running for Haenam County Governor, and I will soon explain my detailed plans at a press conference. I intend to present clear alternatives to local issues and demonstrate leadership that can drive the county administration forward with determination."
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