Lee Jae-myung, a candidate in the Democratic Party of Korea presidential primary, announced pledges for Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK) on the 18th. He said, "As the son of Daegu and Gyeongbuk, I will lead the myth of economic growth in Korea and the re-leaping of Daegu and Gyeongbuk." He stated that he would create an electric vehicle battery industry belt, a future automobile parts cluster, and a Korean-style bio and vaccine industry cluster in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, while fostering artificial intelligence (AI) robotics, hydrogen industries, and high value-added textile industries.
The candidate noted through Facebook that morning, "By restarting the growth engine, I will lead the myth of economic growth in Korea and the re-leaping of Daegu and Gyeongbuk."
He said he would first create an electric vehicle battery industry belt and a future automobile parts cluster in the region. The candidate remarked, "By utilizing the industrial base of Gumi (LG CHEM), Pohang (materials companies and research and development), and Daegu (materials cluster and recycling park), I will support the enhancement of research and development (R&D) capabilities for next-generation all-solid-state batteries," adding, "I will back up Daegu and Gyeongbuk to lead the global electric vehicle battery industry through regulatory rationalization and improvement of the investment environment."
He also said, "I will support more than 2,000 automotive parts corporations in the district to innovate into eco-friendly vehicles and advanced parts industries," adding, "I will spare no financial and tax support to encourage corporations' initial investments."
Secondly, the candidate noted that he would establish the Daegu and Gyeongbuk bio industry belt as a "Korean-style bio and vaccine industry cluster."
He said, "The Daegu complex for advanced medical technologies will focus on fostering new drug development, innovative medical devices, and digital healthcare, while enhancing the capabilities of cutting-edge technologies to strengthen international competitiveness," adding, "We will actively support the development and research of bio and new material technologies at the Gyeongbuk Bio Industry Research Institute and Pohang University of Science and Technology POSTECH, continuously training professional personnel."
He also added that he would strengthen the medical services of key hospitals in the northern Gyeongbuk region to link with the bio industry and resolve medical disparities in underserved areas such as Yeongyang, Bonghwa, Cheongsong, and Yecheon.
The candidate proposed to grow advanced industries such as AI robotics and hydrogen industries as the future core industries of Daegu and Gyeongbuk. He said, "I will concentrate on nurturing deep-tech unicorn corporations in AI robotics to enhance technological competitiveness and support entry into the global market," adding, "In Pohang, I will establish a district specialized in hydrogen, steel, and new materials to complete a full-cycle industrial infrastructure from green hydrogen production to storage and utilization."
Additionally, he promised the promotion of an integrated new airport for Daegu and Gyeongbuk and the completion of the southern inland railway and moonlight railway.
The candidate said, "The reputation of Daegu and Gyeongbuk should not remain as a mere glory of the past," adding, "I will restart the growth engine and restore industrial competitiveness to create a vibrant Daegu and Gyeongbuk where young people return and the region comes alive."