People Power Party Begins Serious Discussion on Mega Seoul... Possibility of Speed Adjustment 'Sseumeulsseumeul'

Chairman Jo Kyung-tae of New City Special Committee Meets with Mayor Oh Se-hoon

The People Power Party's New City Project Special Committee, which has been leading discussions on Mega Seoul, has officially begun talks on incorporating cities surrounding Seoul, such as Gimpo, into Seoul, including a meeting with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. However, the special committee is also scheduled to meet with People Power Party leader Kim Ki-hyun to discuss the pace of pushing forward the special law bill, suggesting the possibility of adjusting the speed. Mayor Oh also mentioned the possibility of a phased incorporation into Seoul.

On the 15th, after meeting with Mayor Oh, Jo Kyung-tae, chairman of the People Power Party's New City Special Committee, told reporters, "Tomorrow, through a meeting with the party leader, we plan to consider whether to accelerate the special law." He added, "We will deliberate whether to amend related laws case by case or collectively, and consider the direction for the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam megacity, then propose the special law bill accordingly."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding issues such as the rural and fishing village quota system in the event of Gimpo's incorporation into Seoul, Chairman Jo said, "It is necessary to include a grace period to some extent," adding, "Rather than rushing to create a complete form, it was discussed in the meeting with the mayor that it would be better to include a grace period of about 5 to 6 years in the special law." He continued, "Whether the grace period is one year or 5 to 6 years will be discussed with local governments." Earlier, Mayor Oh also mentioned regarding the incorporation of cities adjacent to Seoul, "A ‘phased incorporation plan’ is needed that provides a buffer period of 6 to 10 years to guarantee existing autonomy and fiscal neutrality so that there is no disadvantage to the region due to sudden incorporation." Chairman Jo expressed agreement, calling it "a very good idea."

When asked if any additional areas have been added to the Seoul incorporation discussions, Chairman Jo said, "Besides Gimpo and Guri, there are likely other local governments," and added, "We are checking whether those local governments are actively participating."

Additionally, Chairman Jo emphasized the special committee's focus on the Seoul-Busan-Gwangju axis, arguing that megacity discussions could be a solution to prevent local extinction.

He stated, "Mayor Oh has shown great interest in national balanced development and regional balanced development," and added, "He said that to prevent not only Seoul but also local extinction and population decline, urban competitiveness must be enhanced. There was a discussion to continue leading concerns about local cities such as Busan, Gwangju, Daegu, and Daejeon even after the general election."

Meanwhile, Chairman Jo is scheduled to visit Guri City on-site in the afternoon.