Yoo Sang-beom "Seoul Transfer, Only Gimpo, Not Hanam or Guri"

People Power Party Lawmaker, CBS Radio Interview
"Legislative Amendment Process Must Be Followed"

Yoo Sang-beom, a member of the People Power Party, commented on the issue of incorporating Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province into Seoul, which was proposed by party leader Kim Ki-hyun, stating, "It’s not Hanam or Guri. Only Gimpo." This means that not all satellite cities of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province are subject to incorporation, but Gimpo is the primary target.

Yoo explained, "In the case of Gimpo, the issue of incorporating Gimpo into Northern Gyeonggi Province was first raised in Gyeonggi Province. Then, the citizens of Gimpo themselves requested that if they were to join Northern Gyeonggi, they would rather be incorporated into Seoul."

Yoo added, "The party reviewed this matter, and if the citizens of Gimpo want it, we will actively promote it at the party level. This is the position we have expressed."

Yoo Sang-beom, Member of the People Power Party./Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

However, Yoo drew a line by saying, "The premise is that the position of Gimpo citizens is decided, and if they actively want it through a referendum or similar means, then it will be pursued. Also, as you know, the process of promotion must go through legislative amendments." This means that approval from the National Assembly is required.

Yoo said, "If each city pushes for it and a referendum is held, I believe that a new relationship between Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, as well as the expansion of Seoul, can be sufficiently discussed." He left the possibility open.

Yoo argued that the issue of incorporating Gimpo into Seoul was created by Gyeonggi Province. He said, "The controversy started when they proposed creating a special autonomous Northern Gyeonggi Province, and if that had not happened, this controversy probably would not have arisen."

Regarding the view that the proposal to incorporate Gimpo into Seoul is a suggestion for the general election, Yoo countered, "To say that this is the only reason is an excessive disparagement considering the policy decisions of a political party and the relationship between the party and the government as a ruling party."

Yoo noted the potential for expanding discussions, saying, "I think there will likely be many discussions centered on Gimpo and other cities around Seoul such as Guri and Gwangmyeong."