Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 15th regarding the current mayor of Sinan County, "I know him well; he is a capable mayor, but he lost his qualifications due to trivial matters."
On that day, the candidate visited Gwangyang in Jeollanam-do and made his campaign speech.
The candidate emphasized the importance of transitioning to the renewable energy industry, mentioning Sinan County.
He noted, "The southwestern coastal area is a treasure trove of renewable energy. We can install solar power generation on the vast land of the coast, which has been left unattended," and added, "Sinan is far from here, but if we start the renewable energy project in Sinan and install solar power, we will recognize 30% equity for the residents."
He continued, "We need to transform the entire southwestern coastal area in that way," and emphasized, "The issue is the government's will. The local government is dependent on the will of the mayors and governors."
He also said, "Sinan County is the only region where the population is reportedly increasing. Isn't that wonderful?" and reiterated, "The mayor of Sinan County is a capable mayor that I know well, but he lost his qualifications due to trivial matters."
Earlier, the Supreme Court's first division confirmed the original ruling that sentenced former Sinan County Mayor Park Woo-ryang to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, for charges including abuse of power and violations of the Act on the Prohibition of Favoritism. Park was accused of receiving bribes to hire certain individuals as temporary public officials during his tenure. As a result, Park lost his mayoral position. Until the next mayor is elected in the local elections next June, the deputy mayor will serve as the acting mayor of Sinan County.
Meanwhile, the candidate stated that the sunlight pension policy currently being implemented in Sinan County should be expanded to the southwestern coastal area. He mentioned, "There are places where residents receive 2.5 million won annually from (the sunlight pension)," and he added, "I will ensure that each household receives 5 million won."