[New Year's Address] Lee Mingun, Mayor of Ansan: "The New Year Will Mark the 'First Year of a Great Transformation' Driven by Advanced Robotics and AI"

Lee Mingun, Mayor of Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, expressed his aspirations in his New Year's address, stating, "The year 2026, which marks the 40th anniversary of Ansan's elevation to city status, will be the 'first year of a great transformation,' with Ansan revitalized by a new heart of advanced robotics and AI."

Lee Mingun, Mayor of Ansan. Photo by Ansan City

Mayor Lee declared, "Ansan has boldly cast off the familiar attire of traditional manufacturing and chosen to rebuild the city's framework and foundation from scratch."

He emphasized that, with the designation of Ansan as a 'small but strong smart city' and a 'pilot zone for autonomous vehicles,' citizens' daily lives will become more sophisticated and conveniently connected based on AI and big data. Mayor Lee added that scenes of autonomous vehicles navigating throughout the city will soon become a natural part of everyday life.

Mayor Lee particularly stated, "The Banwol-Sihwa National Industrial Complex will be reborn as an AI Transformation (AX) demonstration complex." Through this, he aims to establish the complex as a cutting-edge workplace specializing in humanoids and AI, positioning it as the new heart of Korea's economy where people and robots create high added value together.

He also expressed expectations that, with the designation of Ansan Science Valley (ASV) as a Free Economic Zone, attracting global companies and investments and revitalizing research and development will generate an economic impact of 8 trillion won and create approximately 30,000 jobs.

He also revealed his commitment to investing in 'people.' By designating Ansan as an innovative vocational education district, establishing the RAITIC campus for robot companies, attracting a gifted education center, and bringing in a global international school, he aims to nurture local talent.

In addition, Mayor Lee pledged to complete a 30-minute living zone to Seoul by rapidly advancing projects such as the GTX-C line stop at Sangnoksu Station and the extension of the Shinansan Line.

Mayor Lee stated, "Over the past three years of the 8th popularly elected administration, Ansan has built all the fundamental capacity needed for a leap forward," adding, "Now, we will prove it through real change."