The Democratic Party held a budget policy meeting in Chungnam on September 4, discussing the 13 trillion won budget proposal for the region, including funding for AI transformation and other local issues. Party leader Kim Min-seok promised full support for the success of the three mega projects, a key national agenda of the Lee Jae-myung administration.
On the morning of the meeting at the Chungnam Provincial Office, the Democratic Party, along with Governor Park Soo-hyun, began efforts to reflect local issues in the upcoming National Assembly budget review.
Governor Park Soo-hyun emphasized the need for a budget of 13.5 trillion won, an increase of 2.368 trillion won from the previously allocated 13.2632 trillion won, to realize Chungnam as the AI capital in line with the government's three mega projects.
"We aim to achieve an AI transformation that allows all residents to enjoy AI as a basic right. We are also pushing for prompt administrative support to ensure this transformation leads to the success of the three mega projects," Park said. He added, "To achieve this, securing 13.5 trillion won in national funding is essential. Given the circumstances, we need generous attention and cooperation to secure the future and new growth engines for South Korea."
Lee Jae-gwan, the head of the Chungnam Provincial Party, also noted that while the largest national budget in history has been secured, key funding for transforming Chungnam into the AI capital has not been included. He requested comprehensive support from the central party, stating, "It is not just about securing a budget for Chungnam, but about moving towards an AI-based society for the future growth of Chungnam and a better life for its residents."
In response, Kim Min-seok acknowledged the needs of Chungnam and promised party-level backing for the success of the three mega projects. He stated, "The central party will take an interest in the entire Chungcheong region to proactively consider what is needed at the National Assembly level and will closely examine the budget proposal for Chungnam next year."
Prior to the meeting, Kim and the Democratic Party leadership held a Supreme Council meeting in Chungnam, discussing the previously stalled administrative integration of Daejeon and Chungnam, as well as the second relocation of public institutions.
During that meeting, Kim remarked, "Governor Park provided several suggestions regarding the second relocation of public institutions and the attraction of a unified headquarters for public enterprises during the August 17 party convention. I, along with the Supreme Council members, have listened carefully. We will ensure that the necessary budget exceeding 13 trillion won for Chungnam is reflected. With the important Chungcheong Universiade approaching, we will find ways to support the party comprehensively."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party plans to visit local areas more than twice a week to address regional issues and incorporate them into next year's budget. Starting with Sejong on September 2 and Chungnam on September 4, the party will continue to visit regions including Jeonbuk, Jeonnam-Gwangju, Gangwon, Daejeon-Chungbuk, Jeju, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Daegu-Gyeongbuk, Seoul-Gyeongnam, and Ulsan-Busan.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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