Ahn Ho-young Announces Second Bid for Jeonbuk Governor: 'We Need a Prepared Leader'

Ahn Ho-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, has announced his second bid for the Jeonbuk Special Autonomous Province governorship in next year's local elections, emphasizing, "We need to elect a prepared leader, not just a talker." He appealed for support by presenting specific pledges, including the establishment of an economic community with the Seoul metropolitan area and the creation of an artificial intelligence (AI) city. In an interview with Jeonju MBC on the 11th, Assemblyman Ahn revealed his plan to attract large corporations aiming to achieve RE100 to Jeonbuk in relation to energy policy. RE100 is a campaign where companies pledge to source 100% of their electricity from renewable energy. He also presented pledges to create a basic AI city, revitalize culture and tourism through a Korean Wave Special City, and realize a 30-minute living zone in Jeonbuk.

Assemblyman Ahn cited his ability to communicate effectively with the central government as his strength. He appealed for support, saying, "I will become a 'strong governor' who speaks his mind to the central government and brings results to the region." He emphasized that cooperation with the central government is essential for the development of Jeollabuk-do and asserted that he is the right person to play that role. He expressed a critical stance towards the current Kim Kwan-young administration, foreshadowing a sharp debate.

He downplayed Governor Kim's challenge as a 'reckless challenge,' arguing that "the previous administration neglected the livelihoods of the people, failed to properly revive the stagnant Jeonbuk economy, and did not meet the expectations of the residents due to the slow progress of the renewable energy project." Assemblyman Ahn emphasized that the Jeonbuk economy has stagnated and the lives of the residents have not improved during Governor Kim's tenure, promising that he will revitalize the Jeonbuk economy and improve the lives of the residents if he becomes governor. He took a cautious stance on the issue of integration between Jeonju and Wanju. He reaffirmed his existing position that he is not opposed to the integration itself, but that a sufficient public discussion process is necessary. Assemblyman Ahn said, "Jeonju and Wanju have maintained a cooperative relationship for a long time, but integration is an issue that has a significant impact on the lives of the residents of both regions, so sufficient discussion and agreement are necessary." Assemblyman Ahn presented new five major vision pledges for Jeonbuk, including △Expansion of the central region of Jeonbuk △Abolition of transmission tower-centric policies and a major energy transition, including attracting RE100 large corporations △Introduction of a basic AI city by establishing a national test bed △Establishment of a Korean Wave Special City through the construction of a Korean Wave belt connecting 14 cities and counties in Jeonbuk △Construction of a metropolitan transportation network to create a 30-minute single economic zone in Jeonbuk. Assemblyman Ahn expressed a strong will for economic growth, saying, "I will end Jeonbuk's negative economy and usher in an era of prosperous 'plus growth'." He emphasized, "Jeonbuk has abundant cultural heritage and excellent human resources, but it has not been able to escape economic stagnation for a long time," adding, "I will do my best to maximize Jeonbuk's potential and ensure that the residents can enjoy a prosperous life if I become governor." Meanwhile, Iksan Mayor Jung Heon-yul is scheduled to officially announce his candidacy for governor on the 12th. As a result, fierce competition is expected for the Jeonbuk governor's seat in next year's local elections.