Candidates for the Gangwon governor position, Woo Sang-ho of the Democratic Party and Kim Jin-tae of the People Power Party, engaged in a heated debate on May 28 regarding the LegoLand crisis and their familiarity with the province. Woo emphasized his status as a candidate from a strong ruling party, while Kim questioned, "Why does every banner say 'sent by the president'? Can't you do anything on your own?"
During the Gangwon Election Broadcasting Debate Committee's forum, Woo stated, "The LegoLand crisis has shaken the South Korean economy," adding that according to Namuwiki, Kim is the first person in history to refuse to repay local bonds. He also referenced remarks from Choo Kyung-ho, the People Power Party's candidate for Daegu mayor and former finance minister, who indicated a significant crisis at that time.
In response, Kim asserted, "I never said I wouldn't repay. If that caused financial disruption, then the Lee Jae-myung administration created a 100 trillion won market stabilization fund, which caused twice as much financial crisis. Lee declared a moratorium during his time as mayor of Seongnam." He insisted that he had not harmed the state, stating, "I attempted to amend the contract with LegoLand through a rehabilitation process, but we missed that opportunity, which is regrettable."
The candidates also clashed over property ownership. Woo questioned why Kim owns an apartment in Daechi-dong, Seoul, instead of purchasing property in Gangwon, to which Kim replied, "I only own one house, and its value increased during the Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in administrations."
Woo raised concerns about Kim's wealth, noting that it increased by 700 million won since he took office. He referenced Kim's previous claim that the increase was due to inheritance from his late father-in-law. Kim clarified, "I was mistaken at that time. The increase was due to election cost reimbursements and the sale of an apartment." He added that he had disclosed all relevant financial information in the official gazette, criticizing Woo for questioning his finances as an ungracious act.
Kim pressed Woo on his knowledge of Gangwon, asking him where the Jeongja-ri tourist complex is located. When Woo failed to answer, Kim escalated his questioning by asking about the direction of the Gwangdeok Tunnel.
Woo responded, "Don't set traps," to which Kim retorted, "If you're looking at my policy materials to ask questions, saying it's wrong is mocking the voters."
Kim also challenged Woo's claim of securing a site for a data center in Gangneung, stating, "The site is still under review; how can it be confirmed? There is no land available for a data center in Gangneung."
Kim, a four-term lawmaker, asked Woo if he had ever made a significant proposal for Gangwon. Woo admitted he had not made any primary proposals but had co-sponsored legislation, asserting that it is morally appropriate for local lawmakers to take the lead. He noted that he was a lawmaker for Seoul's Seodaemun District at the time.
Despite their disagreements, both candidates agreed on the need to attract businesses and support local enterprises to address population decline and create jobs for young people.
Woo acknowledged, "I may not be fully aware of the specifics of Gangwon, and I ask for the understanding of the residents. I have strong connections with the government and the National Assembly, and my abilities are unparalleled."
Kim criticized, "Do voters really need to look at Woo's campaign materials?" He added, "If he doesn't even know where the Jeongja-ri tourist complex is located, and if he doesn't manage to open the Gwangdeok Tunnel in Sokcho, it would be a disaster for Gangwon."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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