'From Banker to Worker for the Local Economy' Candidate Jung Ji-kwang Sets Out

*This content was translated by AI.

In this the 3rd local election, there are quite a few candidates with diverse backgrounds, each championing their own dreams. Among them, a candidate who has stepped forward to become a diligent worker for the local economy, formerly a banker, has drawn attention.

Jung Ji-kwang (Democratic Party), running as the Koo (Rep.) candidate in Seoul Seocho-gu, stated, "Having served as Gi Eop-geum-yung (Team Lead), as a real economy expert who gained practical experience at startups and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), I will protect the property rights of Seocho-gu residents and work together to increase asset values."

-As a self-proclaimed 'real economy expert' in Seocho-gu, which has a strong conservative leaning, what is the economic vision presented by the Democratic Party candidate?

▲Seocho-gu is not merely a neighborhood with high housing prices; it is the heart of the Korean economy and the center of education and culture. Our goal is to most realistically solve the livelihood issues of Seocho-gu residents. With the ability to formulate mid-to-long-term strategies, we will prevent budget waste and, through predictable policy guidelines based on the real economy rather than regulation-focused approaches, protect the property rights of residents and work together to increase asset values.

-Among the pledges, the 'Seocho-style Mutual Prosperity Innovation Fund' stands out. What is it?

The 'Seocho-style Mutual Prosperity Innovation Fund' is a structure where the Local Government, the central government, large corporations, and Seocho-gu residents share profits and social value together. Through negotiations with the central government, the government will take a First Loss position to absorb losses first, thereby defending against investment risks. Large corporations will participate as Mezzanine investors to provide technical mentoring and help open up sales channels. We will build a 'resident participation-type profit-sharing system' where residents can autonomously participate and directly enjoy the fruits of growth from local AI startups and small businesses, realizing 'economic democracy' that combines private sector autonomy with the public nature of the Local Government.

-How will you maximize the local value of Seocho-gu?

▲While studying national policy at the KDI School of Public Policy and specializing in real estate finance, I deeply explored the future of spaces. Seocho-gu possesses assets such as high-tech hubs, AI startup spaces, the legal town, the Han River, and Seorae Park. I aim to weave these assets into a single 'cultural economy hub.' We will cultivate Seorae Park and the Banpo-Jamwon Han River areas into more refined spaces where daily leisure and global sensibilities coexist, and connect them to the innovation ecosystem of Yangjae.

-Seocho-gu is known for its high academic enthusiasm. What are the 'Magic Project' and plans for cultivating global leaders?

▲When my two children participated in the Gyeongdae Elementary School Orchestra activities, I consistently volunteered at performance venues in the Seocho-gu area and engaged in deep communication with parents and educational issues. The 'Magic Project,' which dreams of attractive careers, is an industry-academia cooperation model that nurtures schools within Seocho-gu into specialized hubs for AI, media, and content fields. Leveraging my experience in participating in central government-led projects, I will support creative spaces and programs for children in Seocho-gu. Furthermore, I will help ensure that the Seocho-gu level provides full support for global school exchange opportunities for teenagers and global corporate internship programs for young people.

Jung Ji-kwang added, "My father, who passed away early due to the aftereffects of the Vietnam War, supported the Democratic Party, and as a child, I have tried to carry on his diligence and love for the community." He also stated, "I also believed that Seocho-gu is optimal for children's education and growth, and this belief and love remain unchanged."

Finally, he emphasized, "A place where all residents are respected in their way of life and enjoy spiritual richness, where the Yangjae startup valley, the legal town, the Han River, and Seorae Park interlock as a single ecosystem, is 'Seoul's Soul.' That is the Seocho-gu I envision."

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*This content was translated by AI.