Jeonnam Province: "Regarding City-Province Integration Issues, We Will Meet Anytime Once a Consensus Document Is Prepared"

Lee Geonseop, Spokesperson of Jeonnam Province, States in Official Briefing

"This Is Not a Matter to Be Discussed in the Meeting"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Lee Geonseop, spokesperson for Jeonnam Province, held a briefing at the provincial government press room on the 29th to announce Jeonnam Province's official stance on recent pressing issues.

Regarding the 'Meeting of City and Provincial Governors,' the spokesperson said, "Currently, the working-level staff are in discussions related to integration, and we expect to meet anytime once the agreement document is drafted," adding, "However, the integration issue is not something that can be discussed simply in a casual chat."

Concerning the 'Public Opinion Survey on the Relocation of the Civil Airport to Jeonnam,' he explained, "The relocation of the civil airport is already a matter promised by the Gwangju Mayor through an agreement, and we expect it to be fulfilled," and added, "Conducting a new public opinion survey after proposing integration for mutual coexistence may cause misunderstandings among many people, suggesting a step toward breaking promises."

He also mentioned the 'Announcement on the Relocation of Public Institutions.'

The spokesperson stated, "Regarding the second phase of public institution relocation, the government has not decided on any policies concerning the target institutions or the relocation methods," and added, "However, just as great achievements were made through mutual cooperation during the first relocation, it is desirable to cooperate closely in the second relocation as well."

In particular, he noted, "Jeonnam Province proposed participation in the 'Public Institution Relocation Season 2 Policy Forum' to cooperate on the second phase of public institution relocation, but due to Gwangju City's refusal, Jeonnam Province and the Democratic Party's Jeonnam Provincial Party jointly hosted the event."

Lee Yongseop, Mayor of Gwangju City, stated in a report last July regarding the 'Relocation of the Second Phase of Public Institutions to Gwangju, Not Naju,' "As a result of supporting Jeonnam during the first relocation, there is a sense of loss among Gwangju citizens, and since Gwangju also needs to develop, we will make our best efforts to attract necessary institutions to Gwangju."