Lee Jae-myung Camp: "Separation of Gyeonggi Bukdo Hinders Regional Balanced Development," Targets Lee Nak-yeon

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Hong Jungmin, spokesperson for candidate Lee Jae-myung's Open Camp, stated on the 1st, "The issue of separating Gyeonggi Province into northern and southern regions should prioritize the development of Gyeonggi residents and regional balance, rather than being a shortsighted claim made with election considerations in mind." This was aimed at former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon's call on the 30th of last month to establish a 'Gyeonggi North Province.'

In a commentary on the same day, Spokesperson Hong said, "The issue of separating Gyeonggi into northern and southern provinces has been a repeated claim since the late 1980s. However, the fact that it has not been divided shows that a sophisticated and phased approach is necessary, considering the various circumstances of northern and southern Gyeonggi."

He explained, "The fundamental problem lies in other areas such as deregulation in the metropolitan area," adding, "Even if Gyeonggi North Province is established, regulations will not be lifted. Development has been hindered due to overlapping regulations under the Metropolitan Area Readjustment Planning Act and the Military Facilities Protection Act."

He continued, "The northern region suffers from poor SOC (Social Overhead Capital). Under the current preliminary feasibility study system, investments inevitably continue to be made in the southern region, where there is a large floating population," and pointed out, "Therefore, if separation occurs while Gyeonggi North Province has low financial independence, the Gyeonggi budget will concentrate in the southern region, likely widening the gap even further."

He concluded, "Ultimately, the establishment of Gyeonggi North Province is only possible when the foundations of metropolitan area deregulation, balanced development of the northern region, and financial independence are secured," criticizing, "Claims to establish Gyeonggi North Province just to secure votes ahead of the presidential primary will only result in outcomes that go against regional balanced development."