94억 들인 지하상가 청년 공간.. "너도나도 청년 공방"

◀ Anchor ▶ The city of Cheongju invested 9.4 billion won to establish a Youth Startup Support Center in the Daehyeon Underground Shopping Center, which was once a representative commercial district of Cheongju. However, concerns are being raised about whether it will be able to produce results, as 9 out of 10 tenant companies are youth workshops that can be found anywhere. The transition committee for the 9th popular election administration also pointed out that this is a rehash of the failed Youth Mall project of the past. Reporter Kim Young-il reports. ◀ Report ▶ This is the Cheongju Youth Startup Support Center, which opened on the site of the Daehyeon Underground Shopping Center, which used to connect Cheongju Seongan-gil with the opposite Sonamu-gil. Once a representative commercial district of Cheongju, it was closed due to the hollowing out of the old downtown and financial difficulties, but it has been transformed into a space for youth startups after four years. ◀ INT ▶ Woo Yeo-jin / Participant in Startup Enterprise Program "Wouldn't it make it easier for young people to take on challenges? If a space like this exists, people will naturally know it's here and come looking for it. It will also help reduce promotional costs." The city of Cheongju invested 9.4 billion won. It is equipped with not only a small theater and exhibition halls, but also various relaxation, cultural, and rest areas for young people. ◀ INT ▶ Shin Seong-chan / Yongam-dong, Cheongju "If I come alone, I think I would just lie down in the rest area for a moment and use my phone, but if I come with friends, I can play table tennis like this." However, there are already quite a few concerns. A total of 10 youth enterprises have moved in following three rounds of open recruitment. One is a book cafe, while the remaining nine are youth workshops specializing in the production of accessories, merchandise, flowers, and portrait photography. Critics point out that the vicious cycle of the Youth Mall project, which previously focused on traditional markets but failed to yield significant results, could be repeated this time as well. ◀ INT ▶ Kim Seong-taek / Member of the Cheongju Mayoral Transition Committee "Looking at the list of tenants, there are no educational or startup support functions; I am concerned that it is merely a real estate rental business for early-stage entrepreneurs..." Nearby merchants are also expressing dissatisfaction with the operational methods. Since all entrances are closed when the Startup Support Center closes, the underpass connecting to the road cannot be used at night or in the early morning. The center operates from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It is closed every Monday, on Labor Day, and on public holidays. ◀ INT ▶ Hong Gyeong-pyo / Chairman of Seongangil Merchants Association "In the past, it was open 24 hours a day. So we used the restrooms, and when it was cold or raining, we would use the underpass to take shelter (but...") The Cheongju Youth Startup Support Center, into which nearly 10 billion won has been invested to revitalize the old downtown and support youth entrepreneurship, appears to require more comprehensive measures to enhance its effectiveness. This is Kim Young-il from MBC News.