Governor Kim Jin-tae Opens the 8th Term of Gangwon Province Administration

Visit to 119 Integrated Situation Room... Official Work Begins with Focus on Disaster Preparedness
Expression of Commitment to Successful Launch and Early Stabilization of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

Governor Kim Jin-tae of Gangwon Province officially started his duties by visiting the 119 Integrated Situation Room at midnight on the 1st [Gangwon Fire Headquarters]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-cheol] Jin-tae Kim, Governor of Gangwon Province, officially opened the door to the 8th term of the elected Gangwon provincial government with a four-year term on the 1st.

Governor Kim started his official duties by visiting the Gangwon Provincial Office 119 Comprehensive Situation Room at midnight to check disaster and emergency preparedness.

Regarding his visit to the 119 Situation Room, Governor Kim stated on SNS, "It is a gesture to encourage the staff, but also a way to reaffirm my own determination."

After paying respects at the Chungnyeol Tower in the morning, Governor Kim returned to the provincial office at 9 a.m. and approved the "Plan for the Establishment and Operation of the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Promotion Team" as his first official task.

In a related press conference, Governor Kim said, "Because it is always about the Special Self-Governing Province, I chose the 'establishment of the promotion team' as the first approval to express that determination."

He added, "It is unfortunate that the appointments of the team leader and the chief of the planning office have been delayed," and said, "I have urgently requested the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to resolve this promptly."

The Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Promotion Team, composed of about 20 members, will be responsible for follow-up support tasks such as related legal revisions to ensure the successful launch of the Special Self-Governing Province by June next year.

By around September this year, it is expected to be expanded into a dedicated national-level organization through organizational restructuring.

Governor Kim plans to complete the timing of the organizational restructuring, including the expansion of the promotion team and the consolidation of economic-related departments, around the Chuseok holiday this year.

However, he emphasized, "While more time is needed to understand the tasks, since the Special Self-Governing Province Promotion Team must be established as an official organization and all efforts must be concentrated, we must not delay."

Regarding the replacement of heads of institutions under the province, such as invested and affiliated institutions, Governor Kim was reserved, saying, "The term of office is defined by law, so it is not a matter to be dictated."

He added, "I believe each institution will decide whether to share the philosophy and move forward with me."

Regarding the appointment of the vacant director of the Gangwon Research Institute, he said, "It must become a think tank that fills the contents of the Special Self-Governing Province, so it is more important than other places," and "We are searching for a suitable candidate."

Meanwhile, Governor Kim omitted the inauguration ceremony to eliminate unnecessary customs. Instead, he plans to deliver his inauguration greeting to the residents at the Residents' Day event held at the provincial office plaza on the 8th.