Prime Minister Kim Minseok Visits Gwangju, Reviews Sites of History, Industry, and Alley Economy

Visits to May 18th Cemetery, Autoland, Dongcheon-dong, and Songjeong Station Market
"We Will Uphold Justice and Build a Nation Where Everyone Prospers"

Prime Minister Kim Minseok visited Gwangju on the 26th, making consecutive stops at the May 18th Democratic Cemetery, Kia Autoland, the Dongcheon-dong alley commercial district, and the 1913 Songjeong Station Market. Through these visits, he conducted a comprehensive review of the region's history, industry, and local economy. Prime Minister Kim stated, "Upholding justice is fundamental, and I will do my utmost to build a nation where everyone prospers."

Prime Minister Kim Minseok is seen paying silent tribute at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju on the 26th. Photo by Yonhap News

At around 2 p.m. on the same day, Prime Minister Kim visited the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju, where he offered incense and paid silent tribute at the memorial tower. In the guestbook, he wrote, "We will carry on the light of Gwangju to help the lives and sovereignty of the people flourish." Speaking to representatives of May organizations, he said, "When I was in college, I didn't know much about Gwangju, but later, I realized that we must repay our debt. Lee Jaemyung became president with this in mind, and as someone who began my youth in Gwangju, I have become prime minister. We must do our best."

Prime Minister Kim also visited the graves of activist Park Geumhee, the couple Lee Aeshin and Moon Byungkwon who participated in the democratization movement, and Moon Jaehak, the real-life figure who inspired Han Kang's novel 'Human Acts.' He met with their bereaved families, and was seen wiping away tears at the grave of Moon Jaehak. The tribute was attended by Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Yunjin, Shin Geukjeong, President of the May 18th Democratization Movement Injured Association, and other leaders from May organizations.

After the cemetery visit, Prime Minister Kim went to the second plant of Kia Autoland in Seo-gu, Gwangju, where he met with Kia President Song Hoseong and other executives to review the transition to future vehicles. He emphasized, "Since our automotive industry is at the center of global protectionism, the government is directly leading strategic discussions on the future vehicle industry in response. We will rapidly implement the K-Mobility Leading Strategy and spare no effort to help our companies remain competitive in the global market."

He then visited Dongcheon-dong alley commercial district in Seo-gu, the first in the country to designate its entire administrative district as an alley-type shopping area, to review the usage of Onnuri gift certificates and policies aimed at revitalizing the local economy. Seo-gu's 'Alley Economy 119 Project' has recently received the Prime Minister's Award and is gaining attention.

Prime Minister Kim Minseok visited Kia Autoland Gwangju Plant in Seo-gu, Gwangju on the 26th and had a conversation with Kia President Song Hoseong and other executives. Photo by Yonhap News

Prime Minister Kim Minseok is visiting the alley commercial district in Dongcheon-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju on the 26th, engaging in conversation with merchants. Photo by Yonhap News.

Prime Minister Kim Minseok is visiting the 1913 Songjeong Station Market in Gwangsan District, Gwangju on the 26th, engaging in conversation with merchants. Photo by Yonhap News

For his final stop, Prime Minister Kim visited the 1913 Songjeong Station Market in Gwangsan District, where he listened to the concerns of local merchants. Although this was his second official visit to Gwangju since taking office, it was effectively his first time directly touring the local sites.