"Toward a Sustainable Haenam" Former Council Chairman Byungduk Kim Officially Announces Candidacy for County Governor

Highlighting Youth Outflow and Aging Issues
Announces Six Major Pledges Including Job Creation

Byungduk Kim, former Chairman of the Haenam County Council, officially announced on October 15 that he will run for Haenam County Governor in next year’s local elections.

In an interview with Asia Economy on this day, Kim stated, "I have decided to run for county governor to promote regional development, improve the quality of life for residents, and safeguard Haenam’s future."

Byungduk Kim, Former Chairman of Haenam County Council

Regarding Haenam’s current situation, he said, "Although Haenam, with its vast farmland, abundant fisheries resources, and coastline, has significant growth potential, administrative vacancies have repeatedly occurred." He pointed out, "According to the government’s 2025 Regional Extinction Risk Index, Haenam County ranks eighth nationwide and is classified as a high-risk area for extinction."

He further diagnosed, "Due to the outflow of young people, declining birth rates, and an aging population, the number of elderly residents now exceeds the working-age population." He added, "Haenam’s main agricultural and fishery products, such as winter cabbage, seaweed, and sweet potatoes, are also increasingly losing ground in brand competitiveness."

Kim emphasized, "It is regrettable that, despite the potential to fully develop Haenam by maximizing our resources, this has not been achieved." He stressed, "In increasingly challenging circumstances for local governments, there is an urgent need for decisive and driving leadership."

He declared his ambition, saying, "With steadfast determination and creative thinking, I will usher in an era of hope for Haenam," and pledged, "I will realize a 'Haenam-style basic society' where all residents are guaranteed a basic standard of living."

In particular, he stated, "Together with the Lee Jaemyung administration, I will build a Haenam-style basic society where all residents prosper equally and create a Haenam where growth and distribution are balanced." He continued, "The beginning of change is people, and the judgment and vision of the leader transform the lives of residents and determine the region’s future."

Kim presented his main pledges as follows: ▲ Realization of a Haenam-style basic society ▲ Strengthening competitiveness in agriculture and fisheries ▲ Making Haenam a place where young people return ▲ Selective and focused tourism development ▲ Creation of future industries and jobs ▲ Expansion of resident-led renewable energy.

He emphasized, "As a member of the 7th and 8th Haenam County Council and as Chairman of the 8th Council, I have protected the livelihoods of our residents," adding, "I have represented the will of the people through results-oriented and promise-keeping politics."

He continued, "Now, based on that experience and capability, I will prepare for greater progress together with the residents," and vowed, "I will surely make Haenam a place where everyone prospers, a fair and just Haenam, a Haenam where young people return and seniors are respected."

Meanwhile, Kim previously served as a member (7th and 8th terms) and Chairman (second half of the 8th term) of the Haenam County Council, as well as a non-executive director of Jeonnam Development Corporation. He is currently serving as Vice President of the Haenam Middle and High School Alumni Association and as a member of the Ministry of Justice Correctional Committee.