The Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidates made a bid for public support in the Chungcheong region at a joint presentation on the 19th. Candidate Lee Jae-myung noted, "I will make Chungcheong the center of future industries," while candidate Kim Kyeong-soo said, "I will amend the constitution to change local governments into local authorities." Candidate Kim Dong-yeon promised to become a non-factional economic president by stating, "I will build three large enterprise cities in the Chungcheong region."
The three candidates simultaneously promised the 'transfer of the presidential office to Sejong' at the first joint presentation of the primary held at 3 p.m. in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. They then announced various pledges for the development of the Chungcheong region.
Candidate Lee emphasized, "In the upcoming new civilization era, science and technology will be an economic power as well as a national power," adding, "The path to becoming a 'science and technology powerhouse' is a future that Korea will lead."
He added, "I will make Daejeon a global scientific capital leading K-science and technology, and make Chungnam and Chungbuk a center for future industries where advanced industry belts are established," and "I will create an integrated economic zone in the Chungcheong region and actively support it to grow together."
Candidate Kim Kyeong-soo stated, "The transfer of the administrative capital is the beginning of the 'Five Mega City Autonomous Governments' consisting of five regions: the metropolitan area, Chungcheong region, Honam region, Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (Buul-Gyeong), and Daegu-Gyeongbuk," adding, "The next government will be responsible for making the Chungcheong mega city a success."
He continued, "I will expedite the Chungcheong region's express railway CTX connecting Daejeon and Cheongju," adding, "I will do my utmost to expand the Chungcheong region's transportation network, including the inland route connecting Jincheon and Cheongju Airport and the east-west cross-sectional railway connecting Seosan and Uljin."
He remarked, "I will change local governments to autonomous governments starting from the constitution. I will also specify autonomy rights," and "I will expand the autonomy of finances and authorities, distributing more power from the president and central government to the local area." He added, "I will support an annual budget of over 30 trillion won for the five mega cities."
Candidate Kim Dong-yeon said, "I will definitely create 10 large enterprise cities and 10 Seoul National Universities," adding, "I will build three large enterprise cities in Chungbuk, Chungnam, and Daejeon, and create three 'Seoul National Universities' in connection with large enterprise jobs."
He added, "I have no factions or organizations. There are not even a single member of the National Assembly or local members standing by my side right now," saying, "So sometimes I feel lonely, but I will only look at the people. Please give me a chance as a 'dignified economic president.'"