[Feature] Ju Cheolhyun and Shin Jeonghun Clash... Is the East-West Rift in Jeonnam Stirring Again?

Each Side States Their Position on the "East Region Marginalization Theory"
Eastern Region Economy Worsens Amid Global Economic Crisis
Energy Industry Development Focused in Western Region Fuels Tensions
Economic Power in the East vs. Political Power in the West: Regional Dynamics Shift
Long-standing Regional Conflict Reemerges Ahead of Election
Practical Solutions Needed for Regional Integration

During the first schedule of the last Chuseok holiday, Shin Jeonghun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited the lower market in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do, and met with merchants and residents. Provided by Shin Jeonghun's office

The deep-rooted East-West conflict in Jeollanam-do has resurfaced as Shin Jeonghun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, directly refuted the "East Region Marginalization Theory" put forward by fellow party member Ju Cheolhyun. On the surface, it appears to be a power struggle ahead of next year's Jeonnam governor election, but both local and external observers increasingly believe that this is the full emergence of long-standing fissures that have accumulated over time.

On November 20, Assemblyman Shin fired the first shot by posting on his Facebook page under the title, "Assemblyman Ju Cheolhyun, please stop inciting regional division."

He stated, "The governor election is a platform for 1.78 million residents of Jeonnam to move toward a new future together. Yet signs of division are already appearing. Remarks that can only be interpreted as the 'East Region Marginalization Theory' have come from someone who is running for governor," he criticized.

This was in response to Assemblyman Ju's public remarks the previous day at a press meeting in Suncheon, where he said, "I will correct the Jeonnam economic map, which is tilted toward the western region, through balanced development," and, "Governor Kim Youngrok did not properly bring up issues facing the eastern region at the presidential town hall meeting," thereby openly mentioning the "East Region Marginalization Theory."

Assemblyman Ju did not remain silent. On the same day, he countered on social media, stating, "Marginalization of the eastern region is not just a political slogan but a reality. Ignoring reality is a dereliction of responsibility."

In response, Assemblyman Shin again pressed him, saying, "Assemblyman Ju Cheolhyun, offer a clear apology and come forward on the path to unity."

While some in the local political scene view this clash as a prelude to next year's local elections, there is also a prevailing perception that this is a "structural problem of Jeonnam that goes beyond a simple power struggle between two individuals."

On September 22 at 11 a.m., Ju Cheolhyun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, held a press conference for his candidacy in the upcoming Jeonnam governor election at the 2nd floor Choi Room of the Jeonnam Provincial Council. Photo by Shim Jinseok

Jeollanam-do has long had an abnormal structure in which the economic and political roles of the eastern region (Yeosu, Gwangyang) and the western region (Mokpo, Muan) have been separated.

In reality, the eastern region, centered around the Yeosu Industrial Complex and Gwangyang Steelworks, has developed a strong image as a "prosperous area" due to the presence of major industrial complexes. In contrast, the western region, which relies primarily on agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, has continuously expressed dissatisfaction that "only the eastern region is reaping the benefits." Meanwhile, after the Jeonnam Provincial Government relocated to Namak in Muan in 2005, the eastern region began to feel increasingly marginalized, believing that "the western region has taken all the political and administrative power."

Although the interests of both sides have long been misaligned, open clashes have been avoided, resulting in a "quiet state of tension" that has persisted over the years.

The problem is that this structure, which has supported Jeonnam for decades, has recently begun to crack under economic crisis. The core industries of the eastern region-steel and petrochemicals-have fallen into a triple crisis: the shift toward decarbonization, oversupply from China and Southeast Asia, and a global economic slowdown. As a result, the Yeosu and Gwangyang commercial districts have declined, and restaurant and service business closures are rapidly increasing. The region's "economic self-esteem" has plummeted.

In contrast, the western region is experiencing new opportunities.

This is because the government's core policies on energy and aerospace are now focused on the western region. In Haenam, major energy-related projects are underway, including the global AI data center initiative by OpenAI and SK. In addition, large-scale solar and offshore wind power complexes are being developed in Yeonggwang, Shinan, and Jindo.

Governor Kim Youngrok has officially announced plans to establish an 8.2GW offshore wind power complex in these areas by 2030.

With next-generation growth engines such as power, AI, and energy now concentrated in the western region, the sense of crisis in the eastern region has only intensified.

A local council member commented, "The eastern region has survived until now solely on its economic strength, but even that is now faltering. The western region has already taken the lead in politics and administration, and now there is growing anxiety that it will also take over future industries."

Regarding the heated debate between Assemblymen Shin Jeonghun and Ju Cheolhyun, local political circles advise that the region should move toward a more advanced direction for integration rather than further conflict.

A local political figure pointed out, "The verbal dispute between the two assemblymen is an explosion of the structural issues that have plagued the east and west of Jeonnam for decades. However, it is regrettable that the pattern of stoking regional conflict during election seasons is repeating itself. If we are to talk about integration, we need practical solutions to address the imbalance in industry, administration, and politics, not just provoke conflict."