Min Hyung-bae Confirmed as Democratic Party Candidate for Unified Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Mayor

The Democratic Party has officially selected Min Hyung-bae, a seasoned politician with a background as a journalist, former district mayor, and two-term national assembly member, as its candidate for the inaugural special mayor of the unified Jeonnam-Gwangju metropolitan city. This nomination marks a pivotal moment, with Min widely expected to secure the position given the party's current strong standing and his deep roots in the region.

Min's journey to this candidacy is marked by a rich tapestry of public service. His academic pursuits in social sciences at Chonnam National University, coupled with his firsthand experience of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, forged a strong commitment to democratic principles. His 12-year tenure as a journalist for Jeonnam Ilbo provided him with an intimate understanding of local issues, which he later leveraged during his roles in the presidential office and as mayor of Gwangsan District.

Known for his role in the 'complete abolition of prosecutorial investigation rights' (검수완박) and other reform efforts, Min has earned the moniker 'vanguard of reform.' His campaign centered on five core principles: citizen sovereignty, growth integration, balanced integration, basic society, and green cities. He has also put forth a comprehensive 10-point policy plan, including administrative reforms that empower citizens in key decision-making processes, and a strategic '8:1:1' allocation for the 20 trillion won integration fund, prioritizing investment attraction, talent development, and social safety nets.

Min's vision extends to transforming the regional economy through AI, semiconductors, and mobility industries, while also realizing supra-regional balanced development between Jeonnam and Gwangju. His pledges for transportation infrastructure include a 광역철도망 (metropolitan railway network) connecting major cities and an integrated public transport system. Furthermore, he has committed to introducing a rural basic income and establishing a comprehensive support system for care, medical services, and education, underscoring his focus on the welfare of all citizens.

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Integration is not just a physical merger but a future survival strategy for the region. We will open a new era of a proud and new integrated special city through administrative innovation where citizens are the owners.