On the 13th, Democratic Party of Korea Jeju governor candidate Wi Seong-gon said in an interview with ChosunBiz, "Corporations move where talent and ecosystems are," adding, "I will push to establish the Jeju Institute of Science and Technology to create a structure where research and startups happen together."
Wi also said he would develop Jeju World Cup Stadium into a complex tourism landmark. "We will turn it into a vibrant space by combining performances and exhibitions, sports and entertainment," he said, adding, "Using the existing stadium, we will create Seogwipo's signature nighttime tourism hub."
Wi said he is "a differentiated candidate who knows central politics and the structure of national governance well." In Jeju, he served three terms as a provincial council member and three terms as a National Assembly member.
―What made you decide to run for governor.
"To remake Jeju. Right now Jeju faces numerous challenges, including an outflow of young people, high prices and housing burdens, a slumping livelihood economy, stagnant tourism, and regional disparities. We cannot overcome the crisis with past methods. Having experienced both the field and the system through three terms as a civic activist and provincial council member and three terms as a National Assembly member, I will now pour that experience directly into Jeju's administration."
―Jeju's economic indicators are weak. What is the solution.
"The biggest problem is an industrial structure centered on tourism services and primary industries. To change a structure vulnerable to external shocks, we need to cultivate new growth pillars such as manufacturing, research, high value-added services, and data-based industries. In particular, it is important to foster mid-tier industries that can bridge tourism and the agriculture and fisheries sector. The starting point is to leverage Jeju's unique strength in renewable energy."
―You also emphasize a transition to energy- and AI-based industries in your pledges.
"Combining the great energy transition with the great artificial intelligence transition (AX) is a strategy to renew Jeju's entire future industrial ecosystem. AI data centers require massive amounts of power, and global corporations are looking for regions capable of supplying power based on RE100. Jeju has top-tier national potential in clean energy such as wind and solar, and it has the foundation to expand special zones for distributed energy and offshore wind. Based on this strength, corporations in renewable energy, power, and energy storage, as well as advanced corporations that need RE100, will gather in Jeju."
―What is your plan to attract corporations.
"The most important thing is securing talent. I will push to establish the Jeju Institute of Science and Technology. We envision a total of 600 people: 100 professors, 300 students, and 200 postdoctoral researchers. The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology is a positive example. There, each professor forms a research unit of six people, and each unit carries out three projects. In Okinawa, related activities are so active that 25% of local corporations were started by students, because in evaluating research performance they reflect not only papers but also startup achievements. Jeju, too, will create a structure where research and startups happen together."
―What is your position on building the second airport.
"The second airport has been a contentious issue that has divided Jeju society for more than 10 years, so it is time to reach a conclusion. We will thoroughly examine environmental and safety verification and the protection of residents' lives. It must not be pushed through solely by political judgment on either side. Through public debate, expert review, and deliberation, we will ask residents' intentions in a fair manner, such as by referendum or public opinion survey. If support emerges, we will proceed on the condition of minimizing environmental damage, compensating residents, and preparing transportation and coexistence measures. If opposition emerges, we will prepare alternatives such as expanding the current airport and dispersing air travel demand."
―How will you use Jeju World Cup Stadium.
"Jeju tourism still has the limitation of being focused on viewing nature. We need to add cultural, content, and experiential elements to nature to increase the density of tourism and the value of stays. We will develop Jeju World Cup Stadium into a complex tourism landmark that blends performances and exhibitions with sports and entertainment, making it Seogwipo's signature nighttime tourism hub."
☞Who is Wi Seong-gon
Born in Jangheung County, South Jeolla, he moved to Jeju with his family at age 8. He graduated from Seogwipo Elementary School, Seogwipo Middle School, Seogwipo High School, and Jeju National University, and served as student body president in college. Entering politics by winning as the Uri Party candidate in the 4th nationwide local elections in 2006, he went on to serve three terms as a Jeju provincial council member and later won three terms as a National Assembly member from the Seogwipo district.