Democratic Party of Korea Gyeongnam governor candidate Kim Kyeong-soo said in an interview with ChosunBiz, "I will make Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) the second capital region without fail." As plans to revive the Gyeongnam regional economy, he pledged the Bu-Ul-Gyeong megacity and an industrial artificial intelligence (AI) grand transition.
On Gyeongnam's economic situation, candidate Kim assessed, "When Korea's economy grew overall last year, Gyeongnam alone recorded minus 0.8% growth." He added, "If you actually go around, there are many empty stores, and with the Middle East war pushing up oil prices, the prices of daily necessities are also rising." The interview with Kim was conducted on the 14th, and additional answers were received in writing afterward.
– You served as chair of the Presidential Committee for the Era of Local Autonomy. What prompted you to run?
"I ran again with the determination to repay the debt I owe to the residents. During the 7th popularly elected term, to change Gyeongnam's future, we launched urgent tasks such as the western Gyeongnam KTX, the Bu-Ul-Gyeong megacity, and smart industrial complexes. But (as the Gyeongnam governor changed) those projects were halted. I believed I should take responsibility to the end and finish what I started."
– This Gyeongnam governor election is a contest between a former and an incumbent. What is your campaign strategy?
"Our surefire strategy is the 'one-team strategy.' Now is the time to work closely with the central government. Bu-Ul-Gyeong also needs to become one team. And Gyeongnam Province and its 18 cities and counties must become one. The Lee Jae-myung administration is clearly committed to revitalizing the regions and has a clear direction, so I am stressing that this is the time to pool our strength."
– When you were first elected governor, you emphasized that you could persuade President Moon Jae-in. How do you plan to communicate with President Lee Jae-myung?
"As Gyeonggi governor, President Lee actively supported the Bu-Ul-Gyeong megacity when we were pushing it during my time as Gyeongnam governor. I was very grateful because a leader from the capital region backed a regional balanced development policy. As a presidential candidate, President Lee tasked me with designing the '5 poles and 3 specials.' The '5 poles and 3 specials' national balanced development strategy is the result of steady and active communication with President Lee."
– You pledged to create 100 trillion won in gross regional domestic product (GRDP) and 150,000 new jobs by 2030.
"We will push the 'AX (AI transition) 5000 Project,' which combines the five key industries—shipbuilding, machinery, defense, nuclear power, and aerospace—with AI. AX5000 means introducing AI to 5,000 corporations in Gyeongnam. We plan to secure funding through project budgets from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and the Ministry of Science and ICT. If we make the five key industries No. 1 in the world, about 125,000 good jobs, including research and development positions, will be added."
– After registering your candidacy, your first stop was defense firm Hyundai WIA.
"I pledged an industrial grand transition, and to keep that promise I have to go to the field. The answer is always on the ground. Not only during the campaign but even after being elected, I will stay in steady contact with the field so that Gyeongnam's 'K-defense' can become No. 1 in the world."
– How was it meeting residents on the ground?
"While campaigning, the first thing I heard from residents was the urgent voice that 'it's hard to make a living.' In reality, when you go around, it's almost embarrassing to offer greetings at markets. You can feel firsthand why Gyeongnam's economy is negative. Although the provincial administration changed last time, this time I want to be the governor who completes Gyeongnam's grand transition and takes responsibility through results for the residents."
☞ Who is Kim Kyeong-soo
Born in Goseong, Gyeongnam, he graduated from Jinju Dongmyung High School and Seoul National University with a degree in anthropology. After graduating from college, he received a master's degree in history from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. He entered politics as a staffer in the 15th National Assembly and served as an assistant to the senior political affairs secretary in the Kim Dae-jung administration. In the Roh Moo-hyun administration, he served as secretary for speech planning and secretary for public communications, and was called "Roh Moo-hyun's last secretary." He entered the 20th National Assembly representing Gimhae, Gyeongnam, and was elected Gyeongnam governor in the 7th popularly elected term. He lost the governorship midterm due to the "Druking case," but was pardoned in 2022 and had his rights restored in 2024 under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. Under the Lee Jae-myung administration, he served as chair of the Presidential Committee for the Era of Local Autonomy.