청주시 인구 및 산업구조 변화에 따른 정치 생태계에 관한 고찰

Abstract This paper aims to systematically analyze the impact of regional changes such as industrial structural changes and population reorganization on local politics, using Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do as a case study. In the past 10 years, Cheongju-si has formed an industrial cluster centered on cutting-edge industries such as semiconductors, secondary batteries, and bio, and has shown a unique urban development path in which population and economy grow together through the development of Ochang and Osong New Towns. These changes are causing structural changes in the entire political ecosystem, including the composition of voters, policy demands, party structure, and the role of local governments, and this is a distinctly different aspect from the national trend of concentration in the metropolitan area and disappearance of local governments. This study aims to elucidate the process of reorganization of the political landscape over the past 20 years by analyzing the actual changes in Cheongju-si’s population and industry, and tracking election results and changes in political tendencies since the 3rd local election. In particular, it sheds light on the dynamics of local politics, focusing on political differentiation phenomena such as the increase in the youth and external inflow of population, the formation of a dual structure between progressive and conservative parties, and the diversification of policy demands. Through this analysis, we can confirm that the changes in Cheongju City are not just urban growth but also qualitative changes in local politics. As policy implications, we suggest the necessity of establishing political governance and establishing desirable roles for local councils, thereby providing a clue to resolving conflicts and problems among various political groups. Furthermore, as Cheongju City is in a transitional period of becoming a super-metropolitan hub city, the establishment of a new political paradigm corresponding to this is required. In conclusion, we suggest that the changes in Cheongju City’s industrial and population structures are reorganizing the structure and direction of local politics, and that sustainable development can be realized through comprehensive and cooperative local governance.