[1-Minute Cut] “Achievements in Words Only”… Three Years of Kim Kwan-young’s Administration Marred by Faltering Promises and Policies

[Cheonji Ilbo Jeonbuk=Reporter Kim Dong-hyun] Jeonbuk Province announced ₩14 trillion worth of investment agreements and achievements in the industrial and tourism sectors as key milestones at the halfway point of the 8th popularly elected administration. However, the provincial council pointed out that the actual implementation rate of policy pledges and secured budget fell far short. The investment execution rate stands at 8.5%, employment fulfillment at 4%, and the budget execution rate for pledges at just 33%.

Assemblyman Yeom Young-seon noted that the investment execution rate under the 8th administration is lower than that of the 7th, and that the average number of employees per company has also decreased. He further stated that no new industrial complexes have been approved under the current administration, with investments concentrated in certain areas such as Iksan and Gunsan.

Assemblywoman Lee Myung-yeon stated that out of 124 pledges, only 11 have been completed, while the rest remain in continuing, normal, or partial progress. She added that some projects are being pushed forward without even having secured budgets or implementation plans. She cited the Jeonbuk Global MICE Development Center as an example, noting that the project's budget had been reduced from ₩233.6 billion to ₩3.3 billion, calling it “a de facto cancellation rather than a revision.”

Assemblyman Kim Dae-jung criticized the lack of strategic industries in Jeonbuk, pointing out that the province has not been selected even once as an exemplary region under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s relocation support program for regional companies. In response, Governor Kim Kwan-young explained, “Investment projects typically take three to five years, and sometimes up to eight years,” adding, “We will raise the execution rate by introducing a dedicated management system and pre-payment subsidies.”

While these figures were presented as signs of progress, the provincial council raised concerns about the gap between numbers and actual execution. To fulfill promises made to residents, Jeonbuk Province now faces growing calls for concrete strategies and responsible implementation.