About 20,000 Attendees Including Current and Former Politicians
Governor Outlines Background and Future Plans for Gwangju-Jeonnam Integration
Breaking Away from Seoul-Centric System... Aiming to Lead Ahead of Chungcheong Region
Proposing a Metropolitan Government for Youth Settlement and Strategic Industry Attraction
Recalling Childhood, Governor Sings "Rainy Gomoreong" to Warm Response
Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province (third from the right in the photo), presented directions for resolving current issues such as the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam and for regional development, promising a vigorous leap forward at his book launch event held on the 18th at the main auditorium of Korea Energy University in Naju. Photo by Shim Jinseok
Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, pledged a major transformation toward a new Honam region.
On January 18, Governor Kim hosted a book launch event at the main auditorium of Korea Energy University (KENTECH) in Naju, Jeonnam, under the theme "Kim Youngrok Archive: Opening a New Path for National Balanced Development and Grand Integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam," featuring his books "Kim Youngrok's Politics of Sincerity" and "Kim Youngrok's Policies for All."
The event was attended by approximately 20,000 people, including Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City; National Assembly members Park Jie-won, Shin Jeonghun, Park Kyuntaek, Jeong Jinwook, Ahn Dogeol, and Jeong Junho; Song Younggil, leader of the Sonamudang party; Kim Taegyun, Chairman of the Jeonnam Provincial Council; Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Jeonnam Office of Education; as well as politicians, educators, citizens from Gwangju and Jeonnam, and supporters. Notably, senior figures such as Kwon Nokap, Standing Advisor of the Democratic Party of Korea, and former Jeonnam Governors Heo Gyeongman and Park Junyoung were present, lending further significance to the event.
On the 18th, residents supporting Governor Kim Youngrok attended the publication commemorative event "Kim Youngrok Archive" held at the main auditorium of Korea Energy University (KENTECH) in Naju, Jeollanam-do, delivering messages of support. Photo by Shim Jinseok
The event consisted of a first part with a signing session and commemorative photo, followed by congratulatory speeches and videos, a book concert, and another signing session.
In his congratulatory address, Standing Advisor Kwon Nokap stated, "Governor Kim Youngrok is at the forefront of carrying on the spirit of the late President Kim Daejung. I hope he will complete the integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam, continuing the will of President Kim, who defended democracy through hardships for over 50 years."
Assemblyman Park Jie-won emphasized, "With the declaration of administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeonnam, it is now time to move forward together into the future." Mayor Kang Gijeong said, "I will ensure the integration is achieved. If it happens, I believe it will be thanks to Governor Kim Youngrok's sincere politics."
Former President Moon Jae-in sent a congratulatory message, stating, "Governor Kim has always lived by the principle that responsibility comes before words. Thanks to his sincerity, Jeonnam achieved remarkable progress during the 7th and 8th popularly elected terms. I hope he will continue to be a guiding light for Jeonnam's future."
National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik, Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae, Democratic Party floor leader Han Byungdo, Senior Supreme Council member Lee Eonju, former National Assembly Speakers Jeong Seyeong and Moon Heesang, and North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheolwoo also sent congratulatory video messages supporting Governor Kim.
Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok is explaining local issues at a book concert held as one of the main events of the book launch ceremony. Photo by Shim Jinseok
During the subsequent book concert, Governor Kim Youngrok personally explained the background and future plans for promoting the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam, the region's most pressing issue.
Governor Kim stated, "Although it is known that Mayor Kang Gijeong first proposed the administrative integration, in fact, there was a situation where Jeonnam Province needed to make the proposal first. I was confident that Mayor Kang would respond positively, and with the active support of local National Assembly members, the process has been progressing smoothly."
He also said, "There were times when relations with Gwangju were strained due to the relocation of the military airport from Muan Airport, but since December 17 of last year, we have found a breakthrough. This has provided the driving force to fully pursue administrative integration."
Governor Kim emphasized, "By completing the framework for administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeonnam ahead of the Chungcheong region, beyond the current Seoul metropolitan-centered system, we will proactively attract key strategic industries promised by the government, create quality jobs for local youth, and ensure that young people can plan their futures in Gwangju and Jeonnam."
Meanwhile, during the event, Governor Kim recalled his difficult childhood and sang "Rainy Gomoreong," receiving enthusiastic applause and support from attendees.
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