Min Hyung-bae, the Democratic Party’s nominee for the proposed Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, has reaffirmed a high-stakes economic strategy that prioritizes aggressive corporate recruitment over administrative overhead. Speaking at a press conference on April 15 at the Gwangju City Council, Min outlined a vision where the vast majority of the region’s integration grants will be used to attract private investment, signaling a shift toward a growth-oriented model to combat regional extinction.
The centerpiece of this plan is a specific allocation strategy for the 통합특별지원금 80% 기업 유치 (Integrated Special Grant, with 80% dedicated to corporate attraction), which Min describes as an “8:1:1 strategy.” Under this framework, 80% of the funds would be funneled directly into attracting companies, while the remaining 20% would be split equally between establishing necessary infrastructure and managing operational costs.
This financial blueprint is part of a broader effort to merge the industrial strengths of Gwangju and Jeonnam. By combining Gwangju’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and mobility with Jeonnam’s agricultural, fisheries, and renewable energy resources, Min aims to create a sustainable economic engine capable of generating high-quality jobs for the youth—a demographic currently fleeing to the Seoul metropolitan area.
A Blueprint for a ‘Citizen-Sovereign Government’
Beyond the balance sheets, Min is proposing a fundamental shift in how the integrated city is governed. He has introduced the concept of a “Citizen-Sovereign Government,” where the administration acts not as a top-down authority but as a “competent tool” to realize the will of the people. This approach emphasizes transparency in budgeting and the collaborative determination of major policies.
Min’s overarching vision for the region is divided into three primary pillars: a political transformation, an economic leap, and a socio-cultural flowering. He argues that the mandate given to him by the party is a “stern order from the sovereigns” to move beyond the crisis of regional disappearance and toward a latest future. This involves not just economic growth, but the creation of a “top-tier city” in terms of quality of life, ensuring that welfare systems are comprehensive enough that no single citizen is left behind.
Bridging the Industrial Gap: AI and Green Energy
The economic strategy is not merely about the amount of money spent, but where It’s applied. Min intends to leverage the specific synergies between the two regions to create a competitive edge on the national stage. The plan involves:
- Synergy Integration: Linking Jeonnam’s renewable energy production with Gwangju’s AI-driven energy management systems.
- Sectoral Convergence: Integrating the agricultural and fisheries sectors of Jeonnam with the mobility and smart-tech capabilities of Gwangju.
- Talent Acquisition: Recruiting a wide array of professional experts to refine and execute more efficient corporate attraction strategies.
By focusing on these intersections, the administration hopes to move away from traditional subsidies and toward a model of sustainable “future food” industries that can withstand national economic fluctuations.
Navigating the Controversy of the Main Government Office
Despite the clarity of his economic plan, Min has taken a cautious, procedural approach to one of the most contentious issues of the integration: the location of the main government office (주청사). Given the historical and political sensitivities surrounding where the administrative heart of the new city would reside, Min avoided committing to a specific site.
He noted that since the integration has not yet been finalized and the city council has not been formed, it is premature to designate a location. Instead, he stated that the decision would be made “according to the law and regulations” and that he would respect the eventual judgment of the Integrated Special City Council. This strategic neutrality aims to prevent early political friction from stalling the larger integration process.
| Allocation Category | Percentage | Primary Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Attraction | 80% | Direct investment to attract new businesses and industries |
| Infrastructure | 10% | Building the physical and digital foundations for growth |
| Operations | 10% | Administrative management and system maintenance |
The Road to June 3: A Crowded Electoral Field
The path to implementing these visions will be determined in the upcoming local elections on June 3. Min faces a competitive field of candidates from across the political spectrum. From the People Power Party, former lawmaker Lee Jung-hyun and Gwangju City Party Chairman Ahn Tae-wook are preparing their campaigns. Lee Jong-wook of the Progressive Party and former Justice Party lawmaker Kang Eun-mi have also expressed their intent to run.
The election will serve as a referendum not only on Min’s leadership but on the viability of the integration project itself. Voters will be weighing the promise of an economic “leap” against the practical challenges of merging two distinct administrative entities.
For those tracking the progress of the regional integration, official updates and legal frameworks can be monitored through the National Election Commission and relevant local government portals. The next critical phase will be the formal campaigning period leading up to the June 3 vote, where these specific policy targets—particularly the 80% grant allocation—will likely be scrutinized by opposing candidates.
Do you believe a heavy focus on corporate attraction is the best way to save disappearing regions, or should more funds go toward social welfare? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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