Mayor Kang Shares Gwangju’s Growth Strategy

GWANGJU, South Korea – On September 16, Chonnam National University (President Lee Keun-bae) successfully hosted the 2nd Yongbong Forum under the theme, "Transforming Democratic Values into Opportunities for Growth."

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung, a CNU alumnus, served as the keynote speaker, outlining a future strategy for Gwangju rooted in its democratic spirit. Mayor Kang identified three historical periods of "isolation" for the city:

The May 18th Democratization Movement in 1980

The three-party merger in 1991

The current "employment isolation" caused by a changing industrial landscape.

"The same DNA that allowed Gwangju to overcome the challenges of May 1980 will empower us to break through today's job isolation," Mayor Kang stated. He emphasized that Gwangju is already overcoming its third isolation by spearheading new industries, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI, Mobility, and Energy: The Pillars of Growth

Citing 2024 Nobel Laureate James A. Robinson, Mayor Kang noted that "democratic societies lead in economic development." He presented AI, Mobility, and Energy as the three core opportunities for Gwangju's growth.

Reflecting on his tenure as Senior Secretary for Political Affairs under the Moon Jae-in administration, he highlighted his role in securing the AI Phase 1 preliminary feasibility study exemption. As Mayor, he continues to push for:

Exemption for AI Phase 2 (scheduled for 2025)

Hosting the National AI Computing Center

The "Golden Triangle" Innovation Hub: Connecting the AX Verification Valley (Chumdan District), AI Mobility City (Future Auto Industrial Complex), and "Y-Park" (former military airport site).

Interactive Dialogue with the Community

The forum drew over 300 participants, including students and local residents. The event featured an interactive Q&A session where Mayor Kang addressed community concerns, ranging from solving power shortages in new AI cities to mitigating inconveniences from Subway Line 2 construction.

Cho Jin-hyung, Vice President of External Cooperation at CNU, remarked: "The Yongbong Forum is an open platform for sharing the university's intellectual assets and communicating with regional leaders. We will continue to invite experts from various fields to explore ways for the university and the region to grow together."