Shinan County Governor Hopeful Kim Taeseong Draws Big Crowd at Book Launch

"Carrying on the Spirit of the Amtaedo Tenancy Dispute to Build an Administration Where Residents Are the True Owners"

Kim Taeseong, prospective candidate for Shinan County governor, exchanging greetings ahead of a book launch event. Photo by Jeong Seunghyun

On February 26, Kim Taeseong, a prospective candidate preparing to run for governor of Shinan County in South Jeolla Province, held a book launch for his work "Kim Taeseong's Love for Shinan" at the Shinan Beach Hotel, effectively kicking off his full-fledged political campaign.

The event was packed with residents from 14 towns and townships in Shinan, local elders, and youth representatives.

In his greeting, the preliminary candidate stated, "There is no fixed path in politics," adding, "I will move forward unwaveringly, looking only to the county residents." He went on to emphasize, "I will carry on the spirit of the Amtaedo tenancy dispute and implement an administration in which the residents are the true owners."

Referring to his past experience of losing by a margin of 1.7 percentage points in a primary for National Assembly member in the Yeongam, Muan, and Shinan constituency, he said, "Defeat was not the end but the beginning," and added, "I visited all 14 towns and townships without exception and sought answers in the field."

The book presents development strategies based on Shinan's geographical characteristics, including improving transportation networks for the islands, building an "energy expressway," expanding support for young people returning to their hometowns or taking up farming, and fostering the renewable energy industry.

Kim stated, "Islands are not isolation but the beginning of connection," and added, "Administration is not domination but service, and power is not a privilege but a responsibility." He further stressed, "Together with the residents, I will prepare for Shinan's next 100 years."

Meanwhile, Kim is expected to officially declare his candidacy soon and embark in earnest on his election campaign.