"Integration Really Might Happen"... Why Laughter Erupted at Min Hyungbae's Book Launch Event

Over 10,000 Attend Book Launch at Chosun University Haeoreum Hall
Laughter Erupts as Assemblyman Joo Cheolhyeon Mentions Gwangju-Jeonnam Integration
Senior Local Figures, Civic Leaders, and Political Leaders Gather in Force

"I was persuaded by the idea that Gwangju and Jeonnam should become one, so I'm running in the Jeonnam gubernatorial election. Now, it seems that integration is actually happening."

At 3 p.m. on January 18, inside the eSports Stadium (Haeoreum Hall) at Chosun University in Gwangju. When National Assemblyman Joo Cheolhyeon made this remark during his congratulatory speech at the book launch event for Min Hyungbae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, laughter erupted in the venue.

Interior view of the eSports stadium (Haeoreum Hall) at Chosun University in Gwangju, where Congressman Min Hyungbae's book launch event was held on the afternoon of the 18th. More than 10,000 people attended the event. Photo by Song Bohyun

More than 10,000 people attended the book launch event for Min Hyungbae's new book, "There Is a Way," held on this day. The event brought together senior local figures, civic leaders, former and current members of the National Assembly, heads of organizations, and local council members, gathering the region's political leaders in one place.

In his congratulatory speech, Assemblyman Joo shared his connection with Min. "It was Min Hyungbae who pulled me into politics when I was doing well as a civil servant," he said. "We both served as mayor of Yeosu and as members of the National Assembly, and I was the first in Jeonnam to declare support for President Lee Jaemyung." He continued, "Thanks to President Lee Jaemyung's decision, discussions on integration have gained significant momentum. Together, we will create a new future for Gwangju and Jeonnam."

Moon Jeongbok, Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, recalled her early days as a first-term lawmaker in the 21st National Assembly and the formation of the first-term lawmakers' group, "Cheoreomhwoe." She said, "Right after the launch of the Yoon Sukyeol administration, then-party leader Lee Jaemyung urged first-term lawmakers, 'Why are you staying silent? Do something.' In response, Min Hyungbae proposed a sit-in protest at the National Assembly." She added, "We continued the sit-in for 24 hours a day over 86 days, demanding a special investigation into the Kim Keonhee stock manipulation allegations and the 50 Billion Club. Min Hyungbae was at the starting point of it all."

On the 18th, at the esports stadium of Chosun University in Gwangju, Min Hyungbae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, took the stage to lead the event at the publication celebration of his new book "There Is a Way." On this day, Min did not make any separate remarks regarding his potential candidacy for the special mayoral election of Gwangju-Jeonnam, which is currently being integrated. Photo by Song Bohyun

Assemblyman Shin Jeonghun also highlighted Min's political choices in his congratulatory speech. "He was like an older brother who offered warm advice even during his days as a journalist," Shin said. "When no one else would speak up, Min Hyungbae was the first to call for the impeachment of Yoon Sukyeol." He added, "In moments when everyone hesitated, he was the politician who first opened the path for Lee Jaemyung."

Additionally, congratulatory messages were delivered via video and proxy readings from Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong, and Democratic Party lawmakers Choi Minhee, Lee Gihyeon, and Min Byeongdeok.

After the congratulatory speeches, Assemblyman Min gave a brief address. He said, "I am grateful to the citizens of the city and province who congratulated me, as well as the National Assembly members from Seoul, Jeonnam, Yeosu, and elsewhere who joined us. Even though, if the Gwangju-Jeonnam integration is realized, I may end up competing with Assemblymen Joo Cheolhyeon and Shin Jeonghun, I appreciate their warm greetings here today." He continued, "Today is not about the author's story, but about introducing the protagonists of the book." He then invited the entrepreneurs featured in the book to the stage.

Assemblyman Min Hyungbae is on stage conducting a discussion with local entrepreneurs featured in "There Is a Way." Photo by Song Bohyun

"There Is a Way," subtitled "The Future of Gwangju as Seen by Seven Young Entrepreneurs," features real-life cases of innovative entrepreneurs active in the region. Seven companies are introduced: Intflow, Atomos, Uasis, GenieSoft, SOS Lab, LightMe, and NextGo. Through interviews with them, Assemblyman Min outlined the potential of local industries and presented a framework of "Imagination, Transformation, Creation, and Expansion."