President, citizens, and ministers converge…Overcoming ‘triple marginalization’ to become a key hub for balanced development
RE100, Physical AI, K-Food, metropolitan transportation…Strategic areas aligned with government policies,
President Lee Jae-myung speaks at the ‘Hearing the Heart of Jeonbuk’ town hall meeting at Jeonbuk National University in Jeonju on February 27, 2026. ⓒ News1 Lee Jae-myung reporter,
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, “Jeonju—(News1) Reporter Yoo Seung-hoon—President Lee Jae-myung and residents of Jeonbuk sat down to discuss the future of the region. The President emphasized his special connection with Jeonbuk by mentioning the ‘Donghak Peasant Revolution.'”,
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, “On the 27th, the ‘Jeonbuk Town Hall Meeting’ was held at Jeonbuk National University’s International Convention Center, attended by related ministers, the Governor of Jeonbuk, local lawmakers, and residents. Under the slogan ‘Opening the Future of Jeonbuk with Intelligent Industrial Innovation and Energy Transition,’ the event was designed as an open policy discussion to share Jeonbuk’s future development vision and facilitate direct communication between locals and the government.”,
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, ‘President Lee stated, “Jeonbuk has experienced what is perceived as ‘triple marginalization’ amidst capital region concentration and regional disparities. Balanced development is now not just consideration, it’s a national survival strategy.”‘,
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, ‘He continued, “It is necessary to review the future industry strategy of Saemangeum and Jeonbuk in line with changes in the times. We will discuss feasible and efficient measures with Jeonbuk and foster the region as a hub for future industries such as AI, robotics, and renewable energy to create tangible changes.”‘,
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, ‘Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yun-duk announced plans to develop Jeonbuk as an innovation space through initiatives such as establishing an exclusive industrial complex for RE100, conceiving a renewable energy-based future city in Saemangeum, and expanding the metropolitan transportation network in Jeonju.’,
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, ‘Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong proposed a strategy to elevate Jeonbuk as a global base for K-Food through the second phase of the National Food Cluster, fostering the food-tech industry, and expanding smart agriculture such as the hemp industry.’,
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, ‘Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment Kim Sung-hwan announced plans to expand renewable energies such as solar and offshore wind energy and industrial water supply to develop Saemangeum as a strategic industrial hub based on renewable energy.’,
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, ‘Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hoon revealed plans to cultivate Jeonbuk as a demonstration hub for manufacturing AX by focusing on physical AI, robotics, and AI precision inspection technologies.’,
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, ‘President Lee, particularly concerning the Saemangeum project, said, “It requires serious discussion on whether maintaining the existing plan is the best course or if transitioning to a method suitable for the times is more efficient.”‘,
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, ‘He added, “Instead of approaching it as mere wishful thinking, we must select with feasibility and efficiency in mind,” proposing broad discussion with residents and experts. Various opinions on approaches to utilizing renewable energy in Saemangeum and industrial placement strategies were exchanged on-site.’,
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, ‘During the Q&A with residents, topics such as youth employment, advancement of the agri-bio industry, expansion of the metropolitan transportation network, and benefit-sharing plans for renewable energy, which are closely associated with daily life, emerged.’,
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, ‘President Lee responded, “Please submit well-organized materials in writing,” stating that the core opinions will be discussed and reflected in policy.’,
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, ‘The province of Jeonbuk evaluated the town hall meeting as meaningful since Jeonbuk’s strategic fields, such as renewable energy-based industries, agri-bio, food-tech, physical AI, and metropolitan transport networks, were closely discussed in alignment with government policy directions.’,
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, ‘Governor Kim Kwan-young said, “It was an occasion where the voices of the residents were directly conveyed to the government, confirming that the national direction and Jeonbuk’s development strategies are aligned,” adding that the concerns over the so-called ‘triple marginalization’ were resolved as Jeonbuk’s role became clear within national strategies.’,
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, ‘He continued, “We will continue to work with the government to ensure that Jeonbuk’s strategic tasks are organically connected to national policy and lead to concrete outcomes.”