President Yoon visits Jeonbuk to target public sentiment in Honam through future industries such as robots and AI
President Yoon Suk-yeol visited Jeonbuk to promote investment in future industries, as part of his efforts to secure support ahead of local elections.
On October 27, President Yoon Suk-yeol visited Jeonbuk, South Korea, where he hosted a town hall meeting and an investment agreement ceremony focused on the Saemangeum development project. His visit is seen as an attempt to position himself ahead of upcoming local elections, emphasizing regional balanced development. By proposing simultaneous investments in future industries and restructuring existing projects, President Yoon highlighted a 'Future Growth Strategy for Honam', aiming to solidify his traditional support base in the region.
During the town hall meeting at Jeonbuk National Universityβs International Convention Center, President Yoon engaged in open discussions about the Saemangeum project and future strategies for the province. He expressed concerns about the prolonged delays in the Saemangeum project and stressed the need for realistic adjustments to align the project with current times. He criticized the tendency of politicians to pursue unrealistic projects for their own political gain, calling for a more pragmatic approach to development that benefits everyone involved.
The specific details of the Saemangeum project were further clarified during the investment ceremony held that morning, where Hyundai Group announced plans to invest approximately 10 trillion won by 2030 in facilities focused on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, hydrogen, and robotics. President Yoon stated that this investment could not only enhance South Korea's competitiveness in these areas but also significantly transform the economic landscape of the Honam region, presenting it as a model for corporate-local partnerships that can yield mutual benefits for businesses and the community.