Kim: I’ve devoted myself over the past four years
Woo: What matters is the ability to advance Gangwon
Kim Jin-tae, the People Power Party’s gubernatorial pre-candidate for Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, and Woo Sang-ho, the Democratic Party’s pre-candidate, sparred over who better understands Gangwon’s challenges and whose policy promises are more trustworthy. Kim raised major infrastructure items such as the East–West high-speed rail to question Woo’s readiness to run the provincial government, while Woo pushed back by probing Kim’s record on fulfilling promises and his handling of the drought in Gangneung.
The two faced off on the 11th in a gubernatorial debate for the June 3 local elections, co-hosted by Gangwon Ilbo and G1 Broadcasting. Early in the debate, Kim recalled remarks Woo made during his Seoul mayoral bid and asked whether Woo is prepared to govern Gangwon. Woo countered that Gangwon’s economy is in crisis and argued the province needs new leadership.
Kim opened the discussion by centering Gangwon’s social overhead capital (SOC) projects. He focused on the funding model for the East–West high-speed rail and cited Woo’s past comments in the National Assembly questioning why the project should rely on national funds and suggesting private investment. Kim stressed that the East–West high-speed rail has been a regional priority for three decades and repeatedly criticized Woo’s earlier remarks.
Kim accused Woo, who was then the opposition floor leader, of attacking the ruling party in a way that treated Gangwon as if it had been sold out. Woo replied that Kim’s characterization was excessive.
Woo said he did not recall making such remarks but added, if I did, I apologize. He noted the project has already passed preliminary feasibility, secured central government funding, and is under active construction, and pledged to do his best to see it completed. If elected governor, he said, he will work to ensure all SOC projects proceed without disruption.
Kim also pressed Woo on who would shoulder funding for projects such as the Yongmun–Hongcheon rail and the GTX-B line.
The fulfillment of campaign promises emerged as another key issue. Woo accused Kim of abandoning several pledges after taking office, citing examples such as a prenatal parental stipend, a 1,000,000 KRW (about $750) marriage celebration payment, and support for fishers. Woo said Kim scrapped eight major pledges immediately after his election, arguing it is unprecedented for a governor to reverse signature promises right after taking office.
Kim responded that only a small number of pledges were dropped and that his overall fulfillment rate stands at 93.7 percent. He said there were roughly 200 pledges in total, so nine amounts to about 4 percent. Woo demanded an apology, asking how voters can trust new promises if past ones were not kept. Kim said he would apologize if necessary but did not believe this issue warranted it.
The drought in Gangneung also surfaced. Kim cited Hongje-dong in Gangneung to question Woo’s local knowledge; Woo faltered in identifying the neighborhood’s location and then questioned whether Kim’s response as governor had been adequate.
The candidates also clashed over questioning styles and local ties. Woo criticized Kim’s approach as “quiz-like,” while Kim challenged Woo’s Gangwon connections, saying he had not seen Woo at hometown events.
The back-and-forth continued through the debate’s closing statements. In his final remarks, Kim accused Woo of giving abstract, catch-all answers on important projects. “I have confronted these issues directly,” Kim said. “I don’t need to memorize them. This is my life.”
Woo acknowledged he may lack detailed knowledge on some local matters and apologized, but he insisted the crucial factor is the capacity to develop Gangwon with a big-picture vision.
Both candidates used the debate to insist they are best positioned to revive Gangwon.
Woo emphasized that, as the president’s endorsed candidate and a member of the ruling party, he can secure central government cooperation and support. Kim highlighted his incumbency and governing experience, saying, “I have devoted myself over the past four years. I will work to make every resident’s life better.”
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