Why Choi Hyung-geun is the Key to Icheon’s Transformation: A Deep Dive into His Vision for 2023
Daniel Kim Views
[iNews24 reporter Lim Jeong-kyu] Choi Hyung-geun has officially declared his intention to run for mayor of Icheon in the upcoming nationwide local elections on June 3.
At a press conference held on the morning of March 10th at Icheon City Hall, Choi stated, “I stand before you today with a sense of urgency, believing that I am the only one who can rescue Icheon from its current crisis.”
He highlighted that while Icheon and Yongin started on equal footing when they became cities in 1996, Icheon’s population has stagnated at around 230,000, whereas Yongin has flourished into a special city of 1.1 million, emerging as a key metropolitan area. Choi warned that without intervention, Icheon risks becoming a peripheral city for future generations.
In response, Choi unveiled four differentiated strategies, including the establishment of a ‘Semiconductor R&D Capital.’
His key campaign promises include: △Attracting 7.5 trillion KRW (5.625 billion USD) in investments using tax revenue from SK Hynix; △Developing a semiconductor triangle belt connecting Bubal, Jungri, and Daewol; △Implementing a 2030 project focused on transit-oriented development around Icheon, Bubal, and Sindun stations; △Establishing an AI semiconductor Meister High School and a Polytechnic University; and △Creating a national garden at Seolbong Mountain.
Choi concluded by emphasizing, “This is our last opportunity to shape Icheon’s destiny.” He appealed for support, pledging, “Drawing on my experience and network in large-scale urban development and budget planning in Gyeonggi Province, Hwaseong, and Namyangju, I will work alongside our citizens to bring about a transformative change for Icheon.”
A native of Daewol-myeon in Icheon, Choi is an alumnus of Icheon Agricultural High School (now Icheon Jeil High School), Seoul National University, and the University of Tokyo Graduate School. His professional background includes serving as the Director of Planning and Coordination for Gyeonggi Province and as Deputy Mayor of both Hwaseong and Namyangju.
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