Shin Jeong-hoon Announces Candidacy for First Mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Special City: "Beyond Integration, Toward Decentralization"

Proposes Vision for a Quasi-Federal Autonomous Government

Targets: 3.5 Million Population, $50,000 Per Capita Income, 300 Trillion Won Investment

Shin Jeong-hoon, Chairman of the National Assembly's Administrative Safety Committee, has officially announced his candidacy for the first mayoral election of Jeonnam Gwangju Special City. On March 3, at the briefing room of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council, Chairman Shin held a press conference and declared, "The passage of the integration bill is not a completion, but a new beginning." He added, "I will transform Jeonnam Gwangju Special City from a subordinate entity that simply follows instructions from the central government into an autonomous government with a quasi-federal level of decentralized authority, capable of making its own decisions and taking responsibility."

On the afternoon of the 3rd, Shin Jeonghun, Chairman of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, held a press conference announcing his candidacy for the first mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Special City at the briefing room of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council. Photo by Song Bohyun

Chairman Shin stated, "There can be no development of a special city without political progress," emphasizing that integration should not remain as a mere combination of administrative districts or a broad transfer of central authority. He outlined a plan to establish an administrative system that gradually returns broad powers to districts, counties, and citizens.

Chairman Shin also pledged to foster Jeonnam and Gwangju as the "New Southern Economic Hub," setting goals for his term that include: a population of 3.5 million, per capita income of USD 50,000, and the establishment of a 300 trillion won investment base. He announced a strategy to create a multi-functional hub by combining the ports of Yeosu, Gwangyang, and Mokpo, Muan International Airport, and renewable energy infrastructure.

In addition, he presented four major industrial strategies: establishing an industrial belt linking renewable energy, AI, and semiconductors; promoting eco-friendly transitions in the steel and petrochemical industries; fostering the bio-agriculture sector; and facilitating digital transformation based on AI. He also proposed developing the Gwangju Airport site, creating the Chungjang-ro E-Sports Cultural Industry Complex, and launching a 1 trillion won youth entrepreneurship and challenge fund.

The 20 trillion won in government funding to be invested over four years will be managed through an Investment Strategy Committee, and any budget savings will be prioritized for essential public services such as transportation, healthcare, and care services. Chairman Shin remarked, "Integration is not just a slogan but is realized through strategy and execution," and promised to earn the citizens' support through a fair primary process.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.