People Power Party preliminary candidate Yoo Jeong-bok, the Incheon mayor, raised concerns that Incheon's urban competitiveness could be weakened in connection with the government's "maritime capital Busan" vision. While he agreed on the need for balanced national development, he noted that it is not appropriate to nurture a specific region in a way that damages the foundations of other regions.
In an interview with ChosunBiz on the 28th, Yoo said, "Balanced development is necessary, but it is not right to promote one region by undermining the competitiveness of another," adding, "In that process, Incheon's role and foundation could be weakened."
He was particularly concerned that marine-related corporations and public institutions based in Incheon could transfer to Busan. Yoo said, "Calls to transfer the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) to Busan are a representative example," adding, "If this trend materializes, Incheon's industrial base and urban competitiveness will be weakened."
He also expressed strong concern about plans to merge airport-related public corporations. He said, "The discussion of integrating Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) and the Gadeokdo New Airport Construction Authority is highly problematic," adding, "It is the idea of filling the fiscal burden arising during the construction of the Gadeokdo new airport with Incheon Airport's revenue."
He also emphasized the role of local politicians. Yoo said, "If you are an Incheon politician, you should speak out clearly to protect citizens' rights and interests," adding, "It is ultimately up to voters to decide between politicians who watch the government's mood and those who stand with citizens to protect the region." The following is a Q&A with Yoo.
─ You are seeking a third term. With what mindset are you entering the race?
"As someone who knows Incheon's reality better than anyone, I am approaching the election with a grim resolve and a heavy sense of responsibility. I will definitely complete the goal of "Incheon, a world-class city.""
─ Name one achievement during your term as mayor.
"I would point to the restructuring of Incheon's administrative system. This was not a simple redrawing of lines but a project to change the city's constitution. By aligning living zones with administrative jurisdictions, we reduced citizen inconvenience and laid the groundwork for promoting growth strategies tailored to each area's characteristics. The launch of Jemulpo-gu is a representative example that institutionally backed the revival of the old downtown. Starting with the demolition of Songhyeon Free Market, we will reorganize the area around Dongincheon Station into a new growth hub that blends culture, tourism and industry."
─ Busan is drawing attention as the maritime capital, and there are claims that Incheon is relatively sidelined.
"In that process, I must ask what role the 12 Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers from the Incheon region played. For decades, Incheon has suffered reverse discrimination under the banner of capital area regulations. Recently, even talk of consolidating Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) has surfaced, and the region's voice is not being sufficiently reflected. There are also moves to transfer even the Incheon-based institutions, which account for only 2.5% of all public institutions, to other regions. I believe politics that relies only on the government's line is the biggest risk to Incheon's development."
─ As chair of the governors and mayors' council, how do you assess the government and ruling party's process of integrating Gwangju and South Jeolla?
"The basic budget for launching the integrated special city was not included in the supplementary budget. This shows that the city-province integration remained a campaign slogan. It is hard to accept that, after promising 20 trillion won of fiscal support over four years, they failed to secure even the essential initial budget for the launch."
─ You recently proposed a bid to host F1, but there are concerns due to the past Yeongam case.
"Hosting F1 could be a decisive opportunity to elevate Incheon's urban stature. Along with the World Cup and the Olympics, it is one of the world's three major mega sports events, and if the bid succeeds, we can expect both an upgrade in global brand value and a boost to the local economy. The conditions differ from Yeongam. There are big differences in foreign visitor access and lodging infrastructure. Nor is it the old method of pouring in massive public funds to build a dedicated circuit. The "paddock business" effect that forms during the event period also deserves attention. This is an issue that will determine urban competitiveness—an essential task, not a choice."
─ Your party's approval rating is low.
"We must accept reality soberly. The party is in turmoil, and there are parts that have not met the public's expectations. Innovation is needed to rebuild trust. What the party needs most now is urgency. The leadership must see clearly with what resolve each candidate is entering the race."
─ What is your campaign strategy in these difficult circumstances?
"Polls show positive job-performance ratings higher than negative ones. There is enough time and strategy to translate that into approval ratings. Including tangible policies like the "1,000-won series," I believe citizens will make objective evaluations based on policy outcomes. As the election nears and candidates are compared, I expect approval ratings to rebound."
☞ Who is Yoo Jeong-bok
Born in Incheon, he graduated from Jemulpo High School and Yonsei University with a degree in political science and international relations. After passing the 23rd civil service exam in 1979, he worked as an administrative official. Starting as the Gimpo county chief, he served as district mayor (Seo-gu, Incheon), city mayor (Gimpo), lawmaker (three terms), Minister (Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Ministry of Security and Public Administration) and Incheon metropolitan mayor (two terms). Currently the Incheon mayor, the day after this interview with our paper, on the 29th, he registered as a preliminary candidate with the Incheon Metropolitan City Election Commission. Upon registering as a candidate, his mayoral duties were suspended.
☞ Paddock business
The paddock is a viewing area operated by F1 sponsors, and access itself is considered a privilege. Leading global corporations use the paddock as a business tool, exchanging information and building ties.