People Power Party Leader Jang Donghyuk: "Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam Must Succeed for Korea's Economy to Revive ... All Budget and Policy Resources Focused"

"If we unite the strength of Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, the future of South Korea will change."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, made this statement on November 4 at the People Power Party-Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam Budget Policy Council held at the Gyeongnam Provincial Office.

Before the start of the Budget Policy Council meeting, Jang described Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam as "the heart of South Korea's industry and the forward base of the nation's export economy" in his opening remarks.

He emphasized, "The core industries that support the South Korean economy-including shipbuilding, automobiles, machinery, petroleum, and chemicals-are concentrated in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam. Finance, aerospace, and nuclear power are also preparing to take off here. The success of these regions is vital for the revival of our economy and the realization of balanced national development."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is delivering a greeting at the People Power Party-Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam Budget Policy Council held at the Gyeongnam Provincial Office. Photo by Lee Seryung

He added, "Above all, we will provide unwavering support to ensure the timely opening and smooth progress of the new Gadeokdo Airport, which will serve not just as a simple airport but as a key infrastructure for a global logistics hub."

He also pledged, "We will make every effort to pass the Special Act on Busan Global Hub City and promote the full relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, opening a new chapter for the regional economy and balanced national development."

He continued, "By fostering industrial innovation based on artificial intelligence (AI) and promoting an AI-driven green transition, we will establish a foundation for sustainable growth and further strengthen Ulsan's role as the core of South Korea's manufacturing industry."

Additionally, he stated, "We will provide full support for Gyeongnam, the center of the aerospace, defense, and nuclear power industries, to become the 'Toulouse of Korea.' We will also push for the enactment of the Special Act on Small Modular Reactors to develop world-class nuclear technology as a new growth engine."

Jang remarked, "Today, the President delivered a policy speech regarding the 2026 budget proposal, but it was filled with self-praise and populist spending aimed at blinding and deafening the public." He added, "Our People Power Party will protect the reality of people's livelihoods, standing firmly on the ground, rather than chasing the AI mirage presented by the President."

He continued, "During the budget review process, we will scrutinize each item to ensure that not a single populist or reckless budget is passed-whether it is a handout budget that wastes taxpayers' money to cover up the administration's incompetence and failures, an indiscriminate populist budget for vote-buying, or a predatory budget that robs the future of hope."

In closing, he said, "We will listen carefully to local issues and projects, and the party will take the lead in addressing any additional needs. We will focus all our resources on the budget and policies to ensure that Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam rise as the core growth hubs of the southeastern region, becoming new pillars of economic and territorial development."