Officially Announces Candidacy for Nam-gu Mayor in Gwangju on March 3
"I Will End Status Quo-Oriented Administrative Management"
Proposes Five Major Policies Including Revitalization of Industrial Complexes and Neighborhood Economy
Also Pledges Responsibility-Centered Administration with Immediate Task Force Launch if Elected
On the morning of March 3, Hwang Kyungah, a preliminary candidate for Mayor of Nam-gu, Gwangju from the Democratic Party of Korea, held a press conference at the briefing room of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council and officially declared her candidacy for the 9th Nationwide Local Elections for Nam-gu Mayor, to be held on June 3. Hwang stated, "I will put an end to the status quo-oriented administrative management that has kept Nam-gu stagnant, and lead a structural transformation fit for this era of great transition."
Hwang Kyunga, the Democratic Party of Korea's preliminary candidate for Gwangju Nam-gu District Office head, declared her candidacy for the Nam-gu District Office head at the briefing room of Gwangju Metropolitan Council on the morning of the 3rd. Photo by Song Bohyun
During her announcement, Hwang introduced her campaign slogan and emphasized, "Nam-gu, Gwangju, no longer has time to remain in a state of mere 'management.' I will take the lead in carrying out innovative administration that fundamentally transforms our structure."
She continued, "I have always believed that politics should be the closest tool to change residents' lives, which is why I have sought answers directly in the field-in alleyways, markets, senior centers, and daycare facilities." She highlighted her experience as a three-term district council member and as the former chairperson of the Nam-gu Council. Hwang also pledged, "I will implement pledges that residents can truly feel in their daily lives."
Hwang diagnosed Nam-gu's reality as a complex structural issue, citing: ▲ the acceleration of population aging ▲ the outflow of young people ▲ delays in activating industrial complexes ▲ stagnation of neighborhood commercial districts ▲ a sharp increase in demand for care services ▲ and the deterioration of the original downtown area. She insisted, "These are issues that require direct direction and coordination by the mayor," and announced, "If elected, I will immediately launch a task force (TF) to address these challenges."
At the press conference, five major policy directions for Nam-gu's transformation were also presented.
In the field of industrial and job innovation, Hwang pledged to establish a dedicated system for attracting companies to Daechon and Songam Industrial Complexes, and to lay the foundation for strategic industrial attraction-such as promoting a special opportunity development zone in connection with the integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam Metropolitan Cities.
Regarding the revitalization of the local economy, she promised to build a structure where local businesses and residents grow together, and to expand business district revitalization projects by actively utilizing government-sponsored programs.
She also proposed establishing a Nam-gu-style integrated care system. Her plan includes creating regional integrated care centers to strengthen customized public care services for all age groups, from children to seniors.
For the expansion of cultural, tourism, and living infrastructure, Hwang vowed to enhance the Yangnim-Sajik-Baegun cultural tourism belt and create ecological and healing spaces in the Daechon-Hyocheon area, thereby improving residential conditions and increasing Nam-gu's competitiveness.
Additionally, she pledged to implement responsibility-centered administration focused on execution. She promised to operate a pledge fulfillment evaluation committee every quarter and to release an annual pledge fulfillment report to ensure transparency and accountability.
Hwang Kyungah, the Democratic Party of Korea's preliminary candidate for Mayor of Nam-gu, Gwangju, is taking a commemorative photo with supporters after finishing her candidacy press conference at the briefing room of Gwangju Metropolitan Council on the morning of the 3rd. Photo by Song Bohyun
Hwang appealed for support, saying, "I will make Nam-gu a place where children smile, young people return, seniors are respected, and all residents can speak of hope. Please give an opportunity to Hwang Kyungah, the person who will work to transform and renew Nam-gu."
Meanwhile, Hwang is a three-term member of the Nam-gu Council in Gwangju, currently serves as the Women’s Committee Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea Gwangju Metropolitan City Chapter and as Vice Chairperson of the Policy Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, and previously served as the chairperson of the Nam-gu Council.
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