Kim Young-bin, the Democratic Party candidate for the Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang parliamentary by-election, has proposed expanding healthcare and welfare services and creating jobs for young people as key solutions to address the region's declining population and aging issues.
He emphasized the importance of developing a sustainable tourism industry leveraging the Baekje cultural heritage, stating, "We will create a region where anyone can visit and want to stay."
A native of Gongju, Kim graduated from Gyodong Elementary School, Gongju Middle School, and Gongju National University of Education. He has served as a prosecutor and a policy advisor to the Minister of Justice, gaining experience in policy and legal affairs at the central government level. He also worked as Chief Legal Officer at Dunamu, highlighting his dual experience in policy and the real economy as a strength.
In a phone interview with Aju Economy on May 29, Kim stated, "Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang are experiencing rapid population decline and aging, but the healthcare and welfare infrastructure remains insufficient. We must improve the reality where elderly individuals struggle to receive timely medical services when they are ill."
He proposed expanding the functions of the Cheongyang County Health Center as one of his key pledges. Kim said, "We will construct new emergency and inpatient rooms and promptly establish a geriatric ward and dialysis unit, enhancing accessibility to healthcare and addressing gaps in the welfare and medical systems."
He added, "As important as elderly welfare is the education and care of children. Creating a city where parents can raise their children and build families with peace of mind is a core task in responding to the population extinction crisis."
Kim also stressed the need to address youth employment issues, stating, "The painful reality of young people leaving the region due to a lack of good jobs is a serious problem. Young people are leaving because there are no jobs, while companies cannot find workers, creating a vicious cycle."
He outlined plans to foster tourism and cultural industries utilizing the Baekje cultural heritage. He aims to develop the Baekje cultural area into a national tourism and industry project in connection with the 'Baekje Historic Areas Special Act,' which passed the National Assembly in May, and the National Institute of Historical and Cultural Area Promotion, which is pursuing the establishment in Buyeo.
Kim stated, "We can establish a national project system that goes beyond simple research and surveys to include restoration, tourism, and industrialization. We will create jobs and attract population influx through revitalizing the nighttime economy and expanding sustainable tourism."
He also mentioned plans for tailored support at the National Assembly level to help young entrepreneurs sustain their businesses.
Comparing himself to the People Power Party's Yoon Yong-geun, Kim highlighted his strengths in policy planning and the advantages of being a ruling party candidate. He said, "I have directly designed policies and coordinated laws while working at the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office and the Minister of Justice's policy advisory office. My experience in both public and private sectors makes me a versatile candidate."
He emphasized the importance of close cooperation with the central government for regional development, stating, "I am a strong candidate from the ruling party who can secure budgets and address current issues in line with the Lee Jae-myung administration."
Kim recalled a memorable moment during his campaign when he held a policy discussion with local youth. He said, "I was deeply impressed by the 30 or so college students and young people who presented their policy proposals with a clear sense of the issues. I realized again that resolving youth employment and housing and education issues is essential to responding to the population extinction crisis."
He added, "I gain great strength when residents welcome me with 'You’ve come well.' I will continue to listen to the voices of residents directly in markets, alleys, and parks, and realize policies based on their input."
Finally, Kim stated, "Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang are not places for transient politicians. The person who has thought about the region from the beginning will ultimately be able to take responsibility for it until the end." He emphasized, "As someone who graduated from elementary, middle, and high school in Gongju, I will work with the Chungnam governor, mayors, and the Democratic Party to ensure tangible regional development."
He concluded by stating, "I will be a worker who can create real change rather than just political slogans," appealing for support.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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