Choo Mi-ae of the Democratic Party of Korea said, "Strong, decisive leadership is needed to drive a major transition and strengthen Gyeonggi Province's industrial competitiveness," and on the 12th declared a run for Gyeonggi governor.
Choo held a press conference at the National Assembly that day and said, "For Gyeonggi Province, the hub of South Korea's industry, to secure global competitiveness, strong, hands-on leadership is needed," adding, "Politics proven by results, not words, politics that did not back down in the face of reform and innovation—that is my strength."
She added, "As new industries such as AI spread, new opportunities will arise, but inequality and anxiety could also grow," and said, "Through care policies and basic income, we will make Gyeonggi warm and carry out meticulous administration that closely examines everything, from diverse policy ideas to budget issues."
Choo Mi-ae presented four policy directions as Gyeonggi Province's vision: "strong growth," "fair Gyeonggi," "AI administrative innovation," and "warm Gyeonggi."
Choo said, "Through 'strong growth,' we will foster the bio, future mobility, and cultural content industries centered on semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) to make Gyeonggi Province the hub of South Korea's innovation industry," adding, "We will provide good jobs for young people and create an environment where they can plan their futures."
Through "fair Gyeonggi," she said, "We will establish a fair economic order with no privileges or foul play." She said, "Under the principle that 'special sacrifices deserve special compensation,' we will prepare appropriate support measures for regions suffering from various regulations and enhance the competitiveness of small merchants and the self-employed through local currency and tailored policies."
She also said, "Through 'AI administrative innovation,' we will integrate AI and data into Gyeonggi Province's administration to improve systems for transportation, welfare, and disaster response." In particular, she explained, "We will use AI technology to improve the capital region's transportation structure and implement proactive administration that reaches out first to residents who need welfare and support."
In addition, she said, "For a 'warm Gyeonggi,' we will build a lifecycle care system covering pregnancy and childbirth, childrearing, adolescence, workforce entry, and old age, and we will enhance the stability of residents' lives by pursuing Gyeonggi-style basic income and expanding housing support."
Right after the press conference, Choo met with reporters and, regarding assessments that she is weaker than other candidates in appealing to moderates, said, "There is an aspect in which only a strong reformist bent was highlighted as I served as the Legislation and Judiciary Committee chair," and explained, "While serving six terms in Seoul's Gwangjin, I won support from moderates even during difficult times for the Democratic Party." Choo said, "The assessment that I lack appeal to moderates will be quickly disproved."
Regarding whether she would step down as Legislation and Judiciary Committee chair, Choo Mi-ae drew a line, saying, "The declaration of a run for Gyeonggi governor and the committee chairmanship are not directly related," but on her chairmanship term she projected, "The first half of the National Assembly term ends in late May, and if I am confirmed as the candidate, I will resign my seat at the time of candidate registration."