March 19 (Asia Today) — Joo Jin-woo, a preliminary candidate for mayor of Busan, pledged to transform the southern port city into a maritime hub and reverse the outflow of young residents ahead of the June 3 local elections.

In an interview Wednesday at his campaign office near Busan City Hall, the People Power Party lawmaker outlined plans to integrate Busan with neighboring Ulsan and South Gyeongsang Province, develop the Arctic shipping route and redevelop areas along the Nakdong River.

“Busan must be redesigned at this point,” Joo said, citing an economic slowdown, rising commercial vacancies and a steady decline in the city’s youth population.

Government data show Busan’s population aged 18 to 39 fell from about 1.02 million in 2016 to 790,000 last year. Net outflows of young residents to other regions have remained between 5,000 and 7,000 annually since 2020.

Joo said securing a leading role in the Arctic shipping route would provide a new growth engine, but emphasized the need for faster execution and clearer investment plans. He also called for elevating the project to a national strategic initiative through proposed legislation to establish a dedicated agency and fisheries promotion body.

He said administrative integration across the Busan-Ulsan-South Gyeongsang region is essential to accelerate development, including the long-delayed Nakdong River redevelopment project. Joo estimated that integration could unlock about 20 trillion won (approximately $15 billion) in funding.

The candidate outlined three key strategies: attracting advanced industries such as shipping and artificial intelligence data centers, expanding tourism and leisure offerings and upgrading transportation infrastructure using underutilized rail sites.

To address youth outmigration, Joo proposed reinvesting proceeds from urban redevelopment into housing for young residents in central districts.

Joo also contrasted himself with potential rival Jeon Jae-soo, emphasizing what he described as his personal integrity.

“To serve as mayor, one must have clean hands,” he said, adding that he has not faced financial scandals or investigations.

Joo is challenging incumbent Mayor Park Hyung-joon, who is seeking a third term within the same party.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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