President Lee pledges to repay Honam's 'debt' for democratization

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has stated that he will repay the "debt" that the nation's democracy owes to the Honam region, according to Min Hyung-bae, the special city mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju. Min shared this remark, made during a luncheon after a cabinet meeting on July 21, via his Facebook page.

This meeting marked Min's second time attending a cabinet meeting, following a change in enforcement decrees that allows special city mayors to attend cabinet meetings regularly. During the luncheon with President Lee and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the president discussed the development of the Asia Culture Center, emphasizing that the project should extend beyond just the building to encompass the entire city becoming a cultural hub. Min proposed that the special city take over the operation of the cultural center, with the national government covering the costs, a suggestion President Lee immediately ordered for review.

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I will repay the debt that the Republic of Korea's democracy owes (to Honam).

President Lee repeatedly reflected on the historical hardships faced by the Honam region, stating his commitment to repaying the debt owed to it for its contributions to South Korea's democratization. Min expressed deep emotion at the president's words, noting, "There is a president who knows the sorrow of Jeolla and embraces the dreams of Jeonnam Gwangju."

In addition to the discussion on cultural development, Min also proposed the introduction of a "domestic soybean labeling system" during the cabinet meeting. He highlighted its importance for farmers in the Honam region, which accounts for 14.5% of the nation's soybean cultivation area as of 2025. President Lee reportedly agreed with this proposal.

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There is a president who knows the sorrow of Jeolla, and embraces the dreams of Jeonnam Gwangju.