Tongyeong City, located in South Gyeongsang Province, has a population of 116,000 residents. The population has been decreasing as shipyards shut down sequentially and younger individuals move away from the area. The fishing industry is also facing challenges because of unusual weather patterns and an aging workforce. Kang Seok-joo, a 62-year-old candidate from the Democratic Party of Korea who was elected mayor of Tongyeong in the June 3 local elections, stated in an interview with this newspaper on the 22nd, “To boost the stagnant local economy, I plan to distribute 330,000 Korean won per person in living support funds immediately upon taking office.”
– What is the reason for the rush in distributing the ‘livelihood support funds’?
High inflation and rising oil prices have worsened the region’s economic stagnation. In contrast to neighboring Geoje City and Goseong County, Tongyeong has not offered financial assistance to residents. Many people experienced a significant feeling of relative deprivation. I will promptly approve an additional budget once I assume office to ensure the distribution is completed before Chuseok.
– In what manner will the money be protected?
We intend to use the Integrated Fiscal Stabilization Fund (74.8 billion South Korean won), which was set aside for emergencies like major disasters and economic recessions. We are also adjusting budgets for non-essential projects. We estimate that giving 330,000 South Korean won per individual will cost a total of 38.4 billion South Korean won. The money will be distributed through Tongyeong Love Gift Certificates.
– Youth are departing from Tongyeong.
The city intends to create a venture capital firm. Our goal is to support young individuals in establishing themselves in the area and aid them in broadening their sales networks. We will carry out a research initiative to determine the extent and approaches of the assistance.
– You promised to set up a wireless tram.
KTX Tongyeong Station is set to open in Jangmun-ri, Yongnam-myeon, Tongyeong, in 2031. Enhancing transportation facilities is essential to allow visitors and residents to reach the city center efficiently from the station. The wireless tram is an environmentally friendly transport system that runs on batteries without overhead lines. It has the potential to serve as a landmark for Tongyeong. We are considering a route that connects KTX Tongyeong Station with Hangnam-dong, Donam-dong, and the former Sinah SB.
– Locals strongly object to the offshore wind energy initiative close to Yongjido.
Four firms are carrying out offshore wind energy projects near Yongjido. Although we understand the importance of renewable energy, the agreement and harmony with local residents must be essential. The city will take the initiative in establishing a ‘public-private advisory committee.’ We are also considering a required ‘resident-involvement profit-sharing mechanism’ that allocates a portion of the electricity generation profits to locals, akin to the ‘Sunlight Pension’ implemented in Shinan County, Jeonnam.
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