Yoon Yong-geun, the People Power Party candidate for the Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang by-election, has pledged to revitalize the declining region by focusing on sustainable tourism and expanding job opportunities for young people.
Hailing from Buyeo, Yoon graduated from Buyeo Jangam Elementary School, Jangam Middle School, and Buyeo High School before earning a law degree from Chungnam National University. He passed the bar exam (48th session) and currently serves as the managing attorney at Elplus Law Firm. Recently, he gained experience in national politics as the head of the People Power Party's Seongnam Jungwon District and as the party's media spokesperson.
In an interview with Aju Economy, Yoon stated, "Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang are rich in historical, natural, and cultural assets, but we have failed to connect these to the local economy. We need policies that genuinely change residents' lives, not just increase the number of tourists."
He proposed the 'Baekje Cultural Heritage Integrated Tourism Belt' as a key initiative. This plan aims to connect Gongju's historical and cultural resources, Buyeo's Baekje heritage, and Cheongyang's nature and wellness tourism to create a sustainable tourism city.
Yoon emphasized, "Currently, tourists only stop briefly. We will create tourism routes that encourage stays of at least two nights and three days, transforming the tourism industry into one that combines accommodation, spending, and experiences."
He also highlighted the need to utilize the underused Gongju KTX station. "I will turn Gongju KTX station into the 'starting point for a time travel through Baekje culture,' making the station itself a theme park where visitors can experience Baekje's history and culture from the moment they arrive," he said.
Additionally, Yoon plans to connect traditional markets, alley businesses, and local agricultural product sales directly to tourism routes, ensuring that tourism spending translates into income for residents. He also aims to foster youth entrepreneurship and experiential content industries to link tourism with local job creation.
Yoon stressed that he is a candidate with both central political experience and the ability to execute plans. "Having served as the head of the Seongnam Jungwon District and as the media spokesperson for the People Power Party, I have gained experience in navigating the central government and the National Assembly. Ultimately, the power to drive local development lies in securing actual budgets and policies," he said.
Regarding his differences with Democratic Party candidate Kim Young-bin, Yoon asserted, "I am not a candidate representing anyone else. I was fairly selected as the People Power Party candidate through a democratic primary process."
He actively refuted claims that he is using this election as a political stepping stone. "I am not someone who has temporarily stepped down for the election. I was born and raised in Buyeo, and my parents are buried here," he said.
Yoon expressed his commitment to the region, stating, "Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang are my hometown and ultimately my final resting place. I will become a politician who takes responsibility for the region even after the election."
During his campaign, he noted that the most common concerns he hears from residents are about declining vitality and youth outmigration. "Twenty years ago, people and the economy were vibrant, but now I hear that young people are leaving for big cities, diminishing the overall liveliness of the area," he said.
One resident's plea to not use the region as a means for personal political gain stood out to him. Yoon remarked, "I felt strongly that residents are looking for sincerity and accountability from politicians, rather than just words."
Yoon concluded, "I am approaching this election with a sense of urgency to revive my declining hometown. I will improve job quality, transportation, culture, tourism, and living conditions to make this a region where young people return, not leave."
Finally, he stated, "This election is not just about electing a single politician; it is a crucial choice that will determine the future of Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang. I will prioritize residents' lives over political slogans and ask you to judge based on who will genuinely take responsibility for the region's future. I will repay you with results."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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