DP leadership visits Cheongju to emphasize budget support and regional growth strategy ahead of local elections
The Democratic Party of Korea (DP) is accelerating its outreach to regional constituencies with a focus on strategic industry development. Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae visited North Chungcheong Province (Chungbuk) on the 7th, marking his first official trip to the region since taking office, and pledged to foster the province as a central hub for Korea’s bio and medical technology industries.
During a leadership meeting held in Osong, Cheongju, Jeong highlighted Chungbuk’s unique position within the national industrial ecosystem. “Chungbuk is geographically and functionally positioned as a core base for Korea’s bio industry,” he said. “The province sits at the center of national research networks, and its development is directly connected to restructuring the nation’s broader industrial strategy.”
He also pointed to the government’s plan for record-scale research and development (R&D) investment in next year’s budget. “With R&D expenditures set at 35.3 trillion won, the highest ever, the party will actively work to ensure Chungbuk benefits and its growth targets are achieved,” Jeong said.
DP Supreme Council members echoed this emphasis. Councilor Kim Byung-joo stated, “Holding this on-site meeting in Chungbuk at the start of the budget session underscores our prioritization of the province.”
Local lawmakers called for concrete support measures to ensure Osong’s bio cluster can transition from infrastructure-level capacity to global competitiveness. Rep. Lee Yeon-hee of Cheongju Heungdeok noted, “Osong is the heart of Korea’s bio future, but it still lacks sufficient national financial support. The time has come for decisive government investment.”
Regional party leaders from cities including Chungju, Jecheon, Danyang, Boeun, Okcheon, Yeongdong, and Goesan also requested backing for key projects such as the expansion of Cheongju Airport’s civilian runway, rural basic income pilot programs, and upgrades to the Chungbuk Line railway.
Jeong responded by reaffirming the party’s long-term commitment to the region. “Many of our party leaders, including myself, have strong ties to Chungcheong,” he said. “We will act as loyal stewards for Chungbuk’s development.”
Following the meeting, Jeong toured the Osong Advanced Medical Industry Promotion Foundation and held discussions with local bio companies to gather input from industry stakeholders.