Announcing his bid for re-election, Jung warned that the four-year, 20 trillion KRW (approximately 15 billion USD) financial incentive and the support for advanced new industries earmarked for the integrated special city present both a major opportunity and a significant risk. He pledged to seize this transitional moment, turn it into tangible results, and usher in a \"Gwangyang Renaissance.\"
After registering as a preliminary candidate with the election commission, Jung highlighted several key achievements: Gwangyang was the only locality in the Gwangju–Jeonnam area to record population growth for four consecutive years; he helped attract investments totaling 6.9 trillion KRW (approximately 5.175 billion USD) and secured designation of a secondary battery special development zone while advancing a hydrogen-city initiative; and he obtained 650.5 billion KRW (approximately 487.9 million USD) in national and provincial funding.
Jung outlined a plan to position Gwangyang as a forward base to lead the industrial transformation of eastern Jeonnam. His strategy includes attracting semiconductor manufacturers, building an end-to-end supply and recycling network for secondary batteries, energizing the hydrogen sector, and constructing a South Coast energy corridor to strengthen the region’s industrial foundation.
To meet the challenges of the AI and digital revolutions, he proposed spreading AI across everyday life by establishing an AI leadership academy and an AI help center.
On welfare, Jung committed to completing \"Life Welfare Platform 3.0\" to create a comprehensive welfare community covering all life stages—from making the city family-friendly for raising children to ensuring a dignified, happy old age for seniors.
Drawing on 30 years in public service, four years as a member of the National Assembly, and four years as mayor, Jung said a prepared administrator must see initiatives through from start to finish. He emphasized that continuity in city governance is essential and pledged to complete ongoing projects to build a larger, stronger Gwangyang.
