Kwon Chilseung, Kim Dongyeon, Yang Gidae, Choo Miae, Han Junho
Preliminary candidates of the Democratic Party of Korea running for governor of Gyeonggi Province began their full-fledged race on the 24th, 99 days before the June 3 local elections, by presenting their visions and strengths during interviews with the party’s Nomination Management Committee.
The Democratic Party’s Nomination Management Committee conducted interview screenings at around 9 a.m. that day at the party’s central headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, for five candidates who applied to run for governor of Gyeonggi Province: Kwon Chilseung, Kim Dongyeon, Yang Gidae, Choo Miae, and Han Junho (listed in Korean alphabetical order). With lawmaker Kim Byungjoo announcing on the 22nd that he would not run, the race has now been narrowed to a five-way contest.
The Democratic Party of Korea prospective candidates for governor of Gyeonggi Province in the June 3 local elections posed for a commemorative photo on the 24th at the Democratic Party of Korea central office in Yeouido, Seoul during interviews for metropolitan government head candidates. From the left: Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kwon Chilseung, Gyeonggi Province governor Kim Dongyeon, former Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Yang Gidae, and Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers Choo Miae and Han Junho. Yonhap News
Lawmaker Kwon Chilseung said, “There were many questions because I have often said that Gyeonggi Province must play a central role in leading South Korea’s cutting-edge industries and industrial ecosystem,” adding, “I emphasized that I started out as a rank-and-file political operative, steadily worked my way up step by step, and eventually served as a member of the National Assembly and as a minister.”
Incumbent Governor Kim Dongyeon of Gyeonggi Province met with reporters immediately after the interview and said, “I explained well the experience I have accumulated as governor,” and added, “Although the allotted time was short, I made sure to include that I know the economy well and I know Gyeonggi Province well, which gives me competitiveness.”
Former lawmaker Yang Gidae said, “I said that I would pursue policies that actively cooperate with the Lee Jaemyung administration on basic income and a robot tax in the age of artificial intelligence (AI),” adding, “I also said I would institutionalize ways for working moms and others to work part-time for 2 to 4 hours.”
Lawmaker Choo Miae said, “There were questions about youth employment, women’s career breaks, and how I would develop Gyeonggi Province.” She continued, “If we are not prepared for the coming great AI transition, we are likely to enter an era in which capital earns even more money while jobs disappear, thereby deepening inequality,” explaining, “By promoting growth led by local regions, we can create jobs for young people and women within those regions and properly prepare for the crisis.”
There was also a candidate who received intensive questions about young people. Lawmaker Han Junho said, “I was asked questions about young people, including youth start-ups,” and added, “Having personally started a business myself, I was able to answer those questions smoothly and without hesitation.” He went on to say, “I strongly highlighted the career I have built over 21 years in the IT, finance, and culture and sports industries.”
Following interviews the previous day with preliminary candidates for mayor of Seoul, the Democratic Party’s Nomination Management Committee on this second day is conducting interviews with preliminary candidates for governor of Gyeonggi Province as well as those from other regions, including South Chungcheong, North Chungcheong, South Jeolla, North Jeolla, South Gyeongsang, North Gyeongsang, and Jeju.
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