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Hong Dae-hoon, a former representative and candidate in the People’s Power presidential primary, outlined his policy vision at a press conference at the National Assembly’s communication hall in Seoul. He announced a pledge to establish five major megacities across the nation, comparable to Seoul, as part of his “5 Big Megapolis” proposal. Hong stated, “I will embed strategies for balanced and remarkable development of our national land into the constitution through the amendment process.”
At the press conference, Hong explained, “In these megacities, key national strategic sectors such as AI (artificial intelligence), bio, energy, future vehicles, and semiconductors will foster a confluence of industries, universities, research institutes, young talents, and private capital.”
He criticized past regional development policies for being just short-term fixes labeled as “regional balanced development,” and said that they have not solved the concentration of resources in the Seoul metropolitan area but exacerbated it. He emphasized transforming the approach from mere distribution to strategic concentration.
His strategy for realizing the “5 Big Megapolis” includes four core strategies: attracting industries, creating a livable environment, fostering high-tech talent, and establishing a comprehensive two-year national infrastructure development plan.
To attract advanced industries and leading companies to local areas and incentivize the emergence of innovative venture companies, Hong proposed designating “zero-regulation zones” and “zero-tax funds.” He aims to permanently eliminate regulations within these zones to allow businesses to make long-term investments and engage in research and development.
Hong also mentioned that relying solely on government financial support for regional development is unrealistic. To encourage sustainable private investment in these areas, he proposed initiatives like zero-tax funds, deferring capital gains taxes on sales of capital invested in zero-regulation zones, and offering tax reductions and exemptions based on the investment’s duration.
He stressed the need for strategic approaches spanning education, housing, and living infrastructure to ensure that domestic and international talent can settle and build their lives in these regions effectively. This includes plans to establish boarding science high schools, elite high schools, international schools, and expanding foreign schools to create an attractive family-friendly education environment. Additionally, he plans to provide life infrastructure utilizing advanced technologies such as autonomous shuttle services, smart safety and welfare systems, and digital healthcare.
To cultivate cutting-edge talents and create a “cluster-type megapolis,” Hong intends to generate synergy by forming consortia with universities, research institutions, and related enterprises in collaboration with local governments. He aims to ensure that studying in the regions offers more sustainable advantages than being in Seoul or the metropolitan area, providing an extraordinary offer for this purpose. Measures mentioned include strategic relocation of national research institutions, expanding programs enabling early employment and subsequent education for specialized high school graduates, and promoting in-house corporate universities.
Furthermore, Hong announced plans to set forth a “Two-Year National Infrastructure Comprehensive Development Plan” to align with the previously announced “Two-Year Future Growth Plan” to facilitate regional development. He stated that a strong central leadership is paradoxically required for regional development, as efforts by local governments have struggled to achieve significant results beyond expanding administrative boundaries. Hong commented on his experience as a former Minister of Justice, noting that the core tools for regulation support reside with the central government.
Although he intends to designate five megacities during his term, Hong noted that determining the specific locations is not the immediate focus. Instead, it’s about deciding which areas should be prioritized and supported to grow into megacities. He acknowledged the similarities to other candidates’ megacity proposals, explaining that negotiations at a metropolitan level have been common, but he plans to address them as central government core policies, removing key regulations entirely for each megapolis.
When questioned about the feasibility of developing these megacities within his term, Hong described politics as “the art of prioritization,” asserting that if something cannot be achieved in two years, it won’t be done in two decades. He mentioned that while some of the proposed megacities might be in areas with strong Democratic Party support, he believes opposition will not be strong. He expressed confidence that with public agreement and his potential presidency, there would be sufficient momentum for the plan, highlighting that it’s not solely about passing laws but also about persuading the public and explaining the initiative comprehensively.
In relation to pursuing this “5 Big Megapolis” plan through constitutional reform, Ahn Sang-hoon, the policy committee chairman for Hong’s campaign, explained that they intend to break away from the “1987 system” and revise the constitution with a future-oriented approach. The aim is to integrate basic directions for industrial regional balance and national land development into the constitutional amendment work.