[Current Affairs Show] 'AI' Divides the Fortunes of Kang Gijeong and Kim Yeongrok

National AI Computing Center Chosen for Jeollanam-do
"Gwangju Outraged Over Broken Pledge"
Kim Yongbeom Heads to Gwangju, Attention on Possible Solutions

■ Broadcast: The Asia Business Daily 'So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show' (Monday to Friday, 4 PM)

■ Host: Political Specialist So Jongseop ■ Director: PD Lee Miri

The selection of Jeonnam as the site for the National AI Computing Center project has brought mixed fortunes for Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong and Jeonnam Governor Kim Yeongrok. On October 21, the Ministry of Science and ICT accepted applications for the National AI Computing Center project. A consortium led by Samsung SDS (including Naver Cloud, Kakao, and KT) designated the Solaseado business city area in Haenam and Yeongam and participated as the sole bidder. The 'Samsung SDS Consortium' had previously considered three candidate locations-Jeonnam, Jeonbuk, and Gwangju-before ultimately deciding on Jeonnam.

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Gwangju Metropolitan City and Jeonnam Province have long competed, each aspiring to become the center of AI. Both had high hopes for the National AI Computing Center project, so the side that lost out inevitably suffered a major blow. For Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong, who is seeking re-election, this is a significant political setback. During President Lee Jaemyung's Gwangju town hall meeting on June 25, Mayor Kang was criticized for failing to provide an immediate response, and missing this opportunity only deepens his predicament.

The strategies of Gwangju and Jeonnam in approaching this project were markedly different. Gwangju focused on actively promoting the fact that President Lee Jaemyung's pledge included 'the establishment of AI industry infrastructure in Gwangju, such as the National AI Computing Center.' In contrast, Jeonnam concentrated on maximizing business convenience. The land purchase price in Jeonnam was much lower, at around 400,000 to 500,000 won per pyeong, compared to Gwangju's proposed price of about 2 million won. Jeonnam also had a competitive edge in terms of scale and electricity costs. It is known that Samsung SDS reviewed and selected the site purely from a business perspective, without considering policy or political factors.

Governor Kim Yeongrok, who is aiming for a third term, has secured a favorable position. Meanwhile, Gwangju is in turmoil. There is strong opposition, with some saying, "How can a presidential pledge be left to a corporate decision?" On the evening of the decision, all relevant agency officials gathered for an emergency meeting. Mayor Kang strongly protested, stating, "Samsung SDS promised to stay with us until the end, but changed direction to Jeonnam just ten days before the application deadline. Corporate ethics and trust have been broken. It is unjust for the government to leave a national project to corporate economic logic," and conveyed the anger of Gwangju citizens to Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae.

On the morning of the 22nd, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong met with Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, at the National Assembly Main Building in Seoul to urge the fulfillment of the pledge to establish the National AI Computing Center in Gwangju. Photo by Gwangju Metropolitan City

It is also reported that there is dissatisfaction in Gwangju with Policy Director Kim Yongbeom, who is originally from Muan, Jeonnam. His scheduled meeting with Mayor Kang on the afternoon of the 27th appears to be an effort to console local sentiment. On October 23, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Woo Sangho said during a meeting with Gwangju-area lawmakers, "After being briefed that the National AI Computing Center would not be established in Gwangju, the President said, 'It is very unfortunate, and I feel sorry for the people of Gwangju. Go and meet with the Gwangju lawmakers as soon as possible,'" thus conveying President Lee's position.

Despite being in a difficult situation, Mayor Kang has not given up hope of bringing the National AI Computing Center to Gwangju. He told city officials, "Gwangju has a perfect power grid, optical communication network, and water supply. We must establish the computing center in Gwangju and create a cluster including an AI research institute." Attention is now focused on whether the contrasting fortunes of Mayor Kang and Governor Kim will end here or if Mayor Kang will find an opportunity for a dramatic turnaround.