[Current Affairs Show] Yang Gidae: "I Will Make Public Transportation Free in Gyeonggi Province"

"Dividing Into Pro-Lee and Non-Pro-Lee Factions Is an Outdated Frame"
"Will Play a Leading Role Through Policy"
"Regretful About My Frank Criticism of Lee Jaemyung"

■ Broadcast: The Asia Business Daily's "So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show" (Mon-Fri, 4-5 PM)

■ Host: So Jongseop, Political Specialist ■ Producer: Ma Yena

■ Guest: Former National Assemblyman Yang Gidae (December 31)

So Jongseop: Hello, everyone. Let's begin the last episode of "So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show" for this year. Our guest today is someone who announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party primary for Gyeonggi Province governor on December 18. He served two terms as mayor of Gwangmyeong and was a member of the National Assembly. Welcome, former Assemblyman Yang Gidae. Thank you for joining us today.

Yang Gidae: Yes, it's good to be here.

So Jongseop: You must be quite busy these days after announcing your candidacy.

Yang Gidae: People have asked me, "What kind of nerve do you have to run for governor of Gyeonggi Province?" Back in 2018, I ran in the Gyeonggi gubernatorial primary against then-Seongnam Mayor Lee Jaemyung and then-Assemblyman Jeon Haecheol. Since then, I have served as a National Assembly member, and with my experience as a two-term mayor of Gwangmyeong and as a lawmaker handling budgets and legislation, I wanted to combine all that and fundamentally transform Gyeonggi Province. That’s why I decided to run this time, aiming for a major transformation.

So Jongseop: It couldn't have been an easy decision, given the circumstances.

December 18: Announced Candidacy for Democratic Party Primary for Gyeonggi Governor

Yang Gidae: I went through my own hardships after last year’s general election, so I did a lot of thinking. Gyeonggi Province is often seen as being in the shadow of Seoul, a peripheral area. I want to transform Gyeonggi into a place where residents can truly feel pride and self-sufficiency. This isn’t just about solving a few issues; I want to fundamentally change the framework and structure of Gyeonggi. I made up my mind last fall, but it wasn’t easy to announce it publicly right away, so I spent a lot of time studying and preparing.

So Jongseop: I see. Gyeonggi has the largest population in Korea, doesn't it?

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Gi-dae appeared on The Asia Business Daily's "So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show" on the 31st and gave an interview regarding his candidacy for governor of Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Huh Younghan

Yang Gidae: That's right. The population is 14.3 million. This community needs to function properly, but right now, it's just seen as a periphery or shadow of Seoul. Compared to the 27 countries in the European Union, Gyeonggi ranks eighth in terms of population. That shows how significant its scale is. However, issues like real estate prices, transportation, jobs, education, and culture are all concentrated in or dependent on Seoul, making Gyeonggi follow in Seoul’s footsteps, which is quite disheartening. As a result, residents of Gyeonggi have less sense of identity and pride. I believe that's the first thing that needs to change, and for that, a structural shift is necessary. While Governor Kim Dongyeon has managed the province stably, it lacks dynamism. It's disappointing that Gyeonggi, given its size, hasn't taken the lead in government policies or national agendas.

So Jongseop: Having served as both mayor and lawmaker, you must have achievements to highlight.

Yang Gidae: I have hands-on experience and know how to drive change. For example, I transformed Gwangmyeong Cave, which had been abandoned for 40 years, into an international tourist attraction visited by over 1 million people annually. It was selected as one of Korea's top 100 tourist destinations for seven consecutive years. Then there’s the KTX Gwangmyeong Station area. In 2004, the government invested 406.8 billion won to build it as a departure station, but when Seoul became the departure point, it turned into a mere stop, leaving the surrounding 580,000-pyeong area empty. I went to IKEA’s headquarters in Sweden to attract IKEA to the area. I also brought in the headquarters of Costco from Yeongdeungpo District, which is still there. I attracted Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital and an urban airport terminal at KTX Gwangmyeong Station. I also made Gwangmyeong a debt-free city and was the first in the country to implement eco-friendly free school meals for middle and high schools.

So Jongseop: Turning an abandoned mine into a landmark must have been especially challenging.

"I Will Use My Experience with 'Gwangmyeong Cave' to Transform Gyeonggi Province"

Yang Gidae: At first, public officials doubted it would work and kept their distance, while locals strongly opposed it, calling it a money pit that would only cause problems later. But once I set my mind to something, I push forward like a bulldozer without overthinking. I'm a bit of a fool in that sense-I just focus on work. I'm not good at self-promotion, even now. I also can't align myself with political factions, which is how you get noticed and promoted in politics, but I’ve always chosen to work among and for the citizens. Because of this, I haven’t gained as much political recognition or visibility.

There are many prominent figures running for Gyeonggi governor. Some are current governors, and others played key roles in holding those responsible for past coups accountable. I plan to embrace their strengths while pushing forward with my own unique qualities. We are living in turbulent times, so insight, creativity, quick judgment, and the ability to unify and drive the entire province are all crucial. I believe I have these strengths and am second to none in these areas.

So Jongseop: You must have prepared many policies for your campaign. Could you share one or two key ones?

"I Will Start by Making Buses Free for Public Transportation"

Yang Gidae: My key policy is free public transportation. If there are enough jobs in Gyeonggi and housing prices don’t skyrocket, there’s no need for people to commute to Seoul. With that in mind, I plan to make public transportation free. Buses and subways are interconnected, but I want to start with buses. Instead of simply providing free public transportation in cash, I intend to use local currency. This will revitalize local businesses and create a virtuous cycle for the local economy. Statistics show that when public transportation is improved, about 10% to 20% of car drivers switch to it. This improves traffic flow. In extreme cases, it could even reduce road maintenance costs. Plus, in this era of carbon neutrality, it will have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has implemented the K-Pass, a metropolitan transfer system linking subways and buses, and Gyeonggi has its own version called the "Gyeonggi Pass," which is a type of transportation card. Currently, 1.6 million people are enrolled. Analysis of their usage shows that it has a carbon reduction effect equivalent to planting 11 million pine trees. That’s how much it contributes to carbon neutrality.

So Jongseop: So you're saying there are multiple benefits?

Former Assemblyman Yang emphasized "free public transportation" as his key policy. Photo by Heo Younghan

Yang Gidae: By supporting transportation costs of around 100,000 won for residents-especially young workers and ordinary citizens-through local currency, it helps with their household budgets, revitalizes local businesses, reduces traffic congestion, and cuts carbon emissions. This pledge is not just about welfare or populism. I argue that it is a structural transformation with economic, environmental, and time-saving benefits, as well as boosting residents’ pride. Initially, support will be provided only to commuters during rush hours, and then gradually expanded.

So Jongseop: People will wonder where the funding will come from.

Yang Gidae: Who am I? I developed an abandoned mine that attracted 1.42 million visitors in 2016, created 500 jobs a year, and generated about 8 billion won in revenue. Currently, 1.6 million people use the Gyeonggi Pass. For those 1.6 million, in this year alone, the government provided 110 billion won, and Gyeonggi Province and its 30 cities and counties provided another 110 billion won. Based on these estimates, the total cost would be around 300 billion won.

First, national funding will continue. The share of national funding is increasing from 30% to 50%, so I plan to utilize that. Second, there is the traffic inducement charge, which can be adjusted, and automobile-related bonds can also be restructured. More importantly, in 2025, Gyeonggi Province’s budget for carbon reduction and climate response is as much as 2.6 trillion won. Among that, there are expenses for events and unnecessary items that need to be streamlined. Rather than raising more taxes, I plan to identify, reallocate, and make better use of existing tax revenues, along with national funding, to implement this policy. After discussions with experts and reviewing overseas cases, I am confident this is feasible and will be a promise that can drive structural change.

Former Assemblyman Yang attended the book talk hosted by Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong District, and formed a consensus. Photo by Yang Gidae

So Jongseop: You recently attended a book talk hosted by Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong District, didn't you?

Yang Gidae: When I was serving my second term as mayor of Gwangmyeong, Mayor Jung was in his first term as mayor of Seongdong District. We talked about this: One reason politics is distrusted is that, while words are important, sometimes politicians need to deeply engage with citizens and party members to truly understand their needs and, at times, present bold visions for the future of the city or nation. Mayor Jung and I, as heads of local governments, have delivered such results and accumulated experience. We agreed that we should help change Korean politics and administration. President Lee Jaemyung has already taken that path, and we believe that building such a movement will be a significant step forward.

So Jongseop: I'm curious about your relationship with President Lee Jaemyung and your personal connection with Party Leader Jung Cheongrae.

Critical Advice for Lee Jaemyung: Should Have Responded More Wisely

Yang Gidae: I think the pro-Lee versus anti-Lee distinction is now meaningless. Lee Jaemyung is already president. For the people to live better lives, the Lee Jaemyung administration must succeed. So I see the pro/anti-Lee frame as outdated. I believe the Democratic Party and the broader progressive camp must unite. We need to engage more deeply with party members.

President Lee and I have known each other for nearly 20 years, since we were mayors of Seongnam and Gwangmyeong, respectively. However, during his time as party leader, I gave him a lot of critical advice-not out of personal animosity, but because I believed that for the Democratic Party to do better, constructive criticism and candid advice were necessary. In hindsight, as I’ve gotten older and experienced more, I sometimes think I should have handled things more wisely back then.

Some of my criticisms may have been excessive or open to misunderstanding, which I regret. But that’s in the past. Now, what matters is the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration, a landslide victory for the Democratic Party in next year’s local elections, and for me, Yang Gidae, to work diligently and responsibly among party members.

Worked with President Lee Jaemyung and Leader Jung Cheongrae in "Jeongtongdeul" (People Connected with Jeong Dongyeong)

So Jongseop: You also have various connections with Leader Jung Cheongrae, right?

Yang Gidae: We officially met during the 17th general election in 2004, when we both ran for office-me in Gwangmyeong (where I lost) and Leader Jung in Mapo (where he won). That was when Jeong Dongyeong was chair of the Uri Party. In 2007, during Jeong Dongyeong’s presidential campaign for the Uri Party, Leader Jung, lawyer Lee Jaemyung, and I all worked together. We were part of a group called "Jeongtongdeul" (People Connected with Jeong Dongyeong). We know each other very well. Leader Jung is now leading the movement for party member sovereignty by advocating for a one-member-one-vote party constitution. I believe that’s the right direction, and as elections approach, the party must unite around its leader. Now, the party leader must communicate well with the president, and the Democratic Party and its leader must support the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration. I want to emphasize that the so-called conflict between Lee and Jung is not desirable.

So Jongseop: What are your thoughts on your rivals in the Gyeonggi gubernatorial primary? Recent polls show Governor Kim Dongyeon, Assemblywoman Choo Mi-ae, and Assemblyman Han Junho as leading candidates.

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Yang Gidae: People say that Governor Kim Dongyeon, having served a long time in the Ministry of Economy and Finance and as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, tends to focus on fiscal matters first when significant projects arise, asking whether the funding is available. My approach is different. I believe the starting point should be whether a project can truly improve residents’ lives. That’s where I see a difference.

Assemblywoman Choo has served as party leader and minister, and as a female political leader in Korea, she is remarkable. During the recent process of holding those responsible for the coup accountable, she responded strongly, which resonated with the public. She came to Hanam in Gyeonggi for the 2024 general election. I believe she has the experience and political capability to do well, but Gyeonggi is the largest and most complex metropolitan government, so it remains to be seen whether she can quickly grasp and fundamentally change its structure.

So Jongseop: What is your assessment of Assemblyman Han Junho?

Will Take the Lead with Policy Initiatives

Yang Gidae: He is young, ambitious, eloquent as a former announcer, and very popular. If he prepares thoroughly and creates a sensation, the primary could become even more dynamic. I hope we can have a culture of competition that recognizes each other's strengths and competes based on policy. I plan to take the lead with good policies.

So Jongseop: Who do you expect will be the People Power Party’s candidate for Gyeonggi governor?

Yang Gidae: Assemblywoman Kim Eunhye is often mentioned, along with Assemblyman Ahn Cheolsoo, former Assemblyman Yoo Seungmin, and occasionally even former Leader Han Donghoon. All of them are formidable candidates. I hope that, considering the general election, our party members and Gyeonggi residents will keep this in mind when selecting our candidate.

So Jongseop: How do you foresee next year’s local elections?

Yang Gidae: If the Democratic Party fields strong candidates for Seoul mayor, Gyeonggi governor, and Incheon mayor after intense competition, I believe we can achieve good results without much trouble. However, politics is unpredictable. For example, if Jang Donghyuk, currently leading the "Yoon Again" faction, were to apologize for the coup and join forces with Lee Junseok, Han Donghoon, and others, anything could happen. No one can predict what might unfold in such a scenario.