Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam: "I Will Faithfully Fulfill My Responsibilities and Duties Again This Year"

Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam Province pledged to faithfully carry out provincial administration during the New Year's press conference held on January 6 in the provincial government meeting room.

Governor Park began by reflecting, "Looking back over the past four years, when I took office as governor on July 1, 2022, Gyeongnam Province was facing many challenges."

He said, "There had been a vacancy in the governor's office for nearly a year, the economic growth rate ranked last among the 17 local governments nationwide at 17th, the population was rapidly declining, and the province had inherited debts exceeding 1.2 trillion won."

Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam Province is answering reporters' questions at the 2026 New Year's press conference. Photo by Lee Seryung

He emphasized, "Over the past four years, not only the public officials of the provincial government but also the united strength of 3.3 million residents have helped Gyeongnam rise, revitalize the economy, and devote passion in various areas. Now, I can confidently say that the administration of Gyeongnam is fully on track and is in a position to lead other local governments."

He added, "Gyeongnam's key industries are driving the national economy and trade balance, the province's population has become the largest outside the capital region for the first time in 27 years, the outflow of young people has dropped to less than half, and in October and November, the population turned to a net inflow."

Gyeongnam Province cited its major achievements as follows: opening the era of 10 trillion won in annual investment attraction for the first time last year; securing more than 11 trillion won in national funding; reducing debt by 300 billion won; recording a trade surplus for 39 consecutive months; achieving the fourth highest economic growth rate nationwide; reaching the highest employment rate ever and lowering the unemployment rate to the 1% range; winning the Government Innovation Grand Prize for the Gyeongnam-style Emergency Medical Control Tower; and receiving the highest number of government awards in its history.

Other accomplishments highlighted included: the opening of the Space and Aviation Agency; the opening of the Namhaean Island-Connecting Maritime National Road; the selection of Geoje Enterprise Innovation Park and Tongyeong Complex Marine Leisure Tourism City in government contests; the passage of preliminary feasibility studies for the Geoje-Tongyeong Expressway, Gimhae-Miryang Expressway, and Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan Metropolitan Railway; the opening of 27 roads including the Hamyang-Ulsan Expressway and the Changnyeong-Miryang section.

Additional achievements presented were: the integration of Gyeongnam Provincial Namhae University and Geochang University with National Changwon University; being designated as the most glocal universities nationwide; exemption from preliminary feasibility studies for manufacturing AI and SMR technology development projects and confirmation of 1.27 trillion won in government investment; achieving the highest gross regional domestic product (GRDP) outside the capital region and third nationwide; ranking first in total population outside the capital region and third nationwide; achieving the highest SA grade for three consecutive years in the pledge implementation evaluation; and rising positive evaluations of the administration and resident satisfaction.

Governor Park stated, "These achievements were made possible by the united strength and support of the people of Gyeongnam," adding, "I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude, and for the remaining six months of the eighth term, I will do my utmost to fulfill the promises made to the residents."

He also pledged to focus on establishing the foundations and systems necessary for Gyeongnam's continued growth, such as the Special Act on the Development of the Namhaean Region, the Special Act on the Aerospace Complex City, and the Special Act on the Free Economic Special Self-Governing Province.

In addition, he promised to carefully ensure the stable implementation of the "Provincial Residents' Pension" launched this year, improve the welfare and treatment of workers, and establish a comprehensive care system.

Governor Park concluded, "This year as well, I will faithfully fulfill my responsibilities and duties as always. I hope for your continued support for our provincial administration."