Minister Lee Sang-min: "Jeju Administrative System Reform Will Be Considered If Residents Request a Referendum"

Visit to Jeju for Attendance at the 10th Central-Local Policy Council Meeting

Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min stated that he would actively consider a request for a resident vote regarding the reorganization of the administrative system in Jeju Province.

On the morning of the 9th, Minister Lee met with reporters during a visit to Bukchonpogujip, a lodging facility remodeled from a vacant house in Jocheon-eup, Jeju City, and expressed this opinion regarding the Jeju-type administrative system reorganization. He said, "I understand that Jeju Province is conducting related research projects and collecting residents' opinions," showing a positive stance.

Minister of the Interior and Safety Sang-min Lee (far left) is touring the Bukchon Pogujip in Jocheon-eup, Jeju City, which is remodeled and operated by the vacant house regeneration startup 'Dajayo'.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Minister Lee also said, "The 'Special Act on the Establishment of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Creation of an International Free City,' which includes provisions for establishing basic local governments such as cities and counties, is currently pending in the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee. We will work closely with Jeju Province to ensure it progresses well."

Earlier, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee postponed the review of the amendment to the Jeju Special Act related to the administrative system reorganization, stating that integrated opinions from Jeju Province and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety were necessary. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety holds the position that careful consideration is needed since resident voting is possible under current laws. Under current law, the party requesting a resident vote is the Minister of the Interior and Safety, but if the law is amended, the Governor of Jeju Province will be able to request a resident vote for the establishment of basic local governments.

On the same morning, Minister Lee attended the 10th Central-Local Policy Council meeting with deputy heads from 17 cities and provinces to discuss measures for utilizing vacant houses. Afterwards, he visited Bukchonpogujip, a lodging facility remodeled by the vacant house regeneration startup Dajayo, which renovated a vacant house where Jeju haenyeo (female divers) once lived.

At the site, Minister Lee said, "There are more than 132,000 vacant houses nationwide," and added, "Vacant houses not only spoil the landscape but can also be used as crime-prone areas, causing serious side effects, yet they are neglected for various complex reasons." He continued, "Utilizing vacant houses like Bukchonpogujip can help not only the landscape but also revitalize the local economy," calling it "an excellent exemplary case."