People Power Party candidate for South Chungcheong governor Kim Tae-heum said in a ChosunBiz interview on the 28th, "It is now time to connect the secured investment and growth engines to changes that residents can feel," adding the following. Kim said, "If in the last term we awakened South Chungcheong's growth potential under the slogan 'Stronger Chungnam,' in the new term we will put forward 'Even Stronger Chungnam' and complete a South Chungcheong that leads Korea."
As changes that residents will feel, Kim proposed building the Cheonan-Asan dome arena, creating the Bay Valley megacity, and a South Chungcheong-style artificial intelligence (AI) grand transition. He said, "I will grow South Chungcheong into Korea's cultural, industrial, and economic hub," adding, "I will carry the investments attracted over the past four years and the growth base we have built through to changes in real life."
On the current state of the race, he said, "At first, looking at the political landscape and the flow of central politics, the situation was not easy," adding, "In fact, even just 20 days ago, the gap in polls was close to 20%, but recently the gap has narrowed significantly, and the shift in public sentiment is showing up in the numbers."
As evidence, Kim cited a poll commissioned by News Pim to Realmeter conducted on the 18th-19th and a poll commissioned by KBS to Hankook Research conducted on the 16th-20th. In the News Pim–Realmeter poll, Kim recorded 43.9% and Democratic Party of Korea candidate Park Soo-hyun recorded 43.5%. In the KBS–Hankook Research poll, Park had 41% and Kim had 37%. Kim said, "Considering the characteristic of Chungcheong Province public sentiment to heat up late, I believe we have now entered a neck-and-neck contest where it is no longer easy to tell who is ahead." The following is a Q&A with Kim.
—You are campaigning in a white jumper. What does it signify?
"I did not attach any particular political meaning to it. Young people said white looks brighter and suits me better, so I simply wear it often."
—How do you view your party's situation now?
"There was division in all directions, but I believe we are in the process of mending. As a senior member of the party, even if it is difficult, I am focusing on stabilizing, organizing, and building a field where we can win. In South Chungcheong, I am determined to take clear responsibility. I will be an umbrella for our party's candidates."
—The Daejeon–South Chungcheong integration was pursued but then halted.
"I am the original designer of the administrative integration of South Chungcheong and Daejeon. Integration is a given. The core purpose of integration is to create a foundation to grow together beyond the walls of administrative districts. In particular, since there is an issue of transferring public institutions, integration is not a choice but a necessity. It must be pursued for the development of South Chungcheong and for balanced national development."
—Plans to prepare incentives for integrated local governments remain unclear.
"The Democratic Party of Korea proposed an integration bill, but permanent and substantive devolution of authority and finances was left out, and it offered only a small, temporary incentive—an 'anko-less steamed bun.' I can neither agree to nor accept such an administrative integration. Administrative integration is a national overhaul project. Substance matters more than form.
It must include plans for permanent finances and substantive devolution of authority. Stable annual fiscal transfers of about 9 trillion won are needed—such as 100% of capital gains taxes, 50% of corporate taxes, and around 5% of value-added taxes. Central government authorities, including exemptions from preliminary feasibility studies and designation of national industrial complexes, must also be handed over to the integrated local government so the region can have the power to open its own future."
—Where do you think the momentum came from for narrowing the support gap with your rival?
"I believe it is the result of residents highly evaluating the achievements and drive of the past four years. I led the provincial administration with the conviction that 'promises made to residents are kept without fail.' As a result, I received the top SA grade for four consecutive years in the nationwide governors' pledge evaluation conducted by the Korea Manifesto Center."
—The 'special counsel bill to cancel indictments,' which the Democratic Party of Korea pushed but postponed until after the election, is also cited as a factor that backfired.
"Candidate Park Soo-hyun expressed 'strong support' for the special counsel bill in question. I was appalled to hear that. It is tantamount to declaring an intent to protect those in power even by overturning the judicial system that judges crimes. The foundation of the rule of law is equality before the law. The idea of changing Korea's rule of law to suit those in power is a fascistic notion."
—At a recent TV debate, your opening remarks were deleted.
"Something absurd and unacceptable happened. The broadcaster says it was a simple mistake, but in elections, fairness is paramount. If this happens again, we cannot help but question the intent. Residents must have found it strange as well."
—How will you respond?
"I will focus only on the residents. During the remaining campaign period, I will meet as many residents as possible and concentrate on explaining the vision of 'Even Stronger Chungnam.' In the end, I believe the residents will make the judgment."