Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheolwoo Expresses Deep Concern Over Daegu-Centered Unilateral Administrative Integration... Sufficient Discussion Needed on Name and Government Complex

Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheolwoo expressed significant concerns about the TK administrative integration being pushed unilaterally with a focus on Daegu.

On the 26th, through his Facebook, Governor Lee stated, "A few days ago, at a luncheon meeting hosted by Bae Hancheol, Chairman of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council, with about ten former chairmen of Gyeongbuk, we discussed the Daegu-Gyeongbuk integration. During the conversation, there were media reports suggesting the integrated name would be 'Daegu Direct-Controlled City' or 'Daegu Metropolitan City.' There were strong concerns about a Daegu-centered unilateral integration, and it was emphasized that Gyeongbuk, which has been the larger region, should not disappear. The Provincial Council was urged to respond actively to this issue."

Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province.

Governor Lee continued, "Chairmen from northern Gyeongbuk expressed concerns about balanced development in the northern region if the provincial government office in Andong were to move to Daegu. To be clear, issues such as the integrated name and the location of the government office are extremely sensitive, so there must be sufficient discussion until a consensus is reached among the citizens of both the city and the province. During the previous discussions on Daegu-Gyeongbuk integration, there was public debate about naming it 'Daegu-Gyeongbuk Special Metropolitan City,' so it is highly likely that consensus will form around using both Daegu and Gyeongbuk in the name."

Governor Lee also suggested, "Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo, concerned about opposition from Gyeongbuk, has expressed that he will not insist on 'Daegu Direct-Controlled City' or 'Daegu Metropolitan City' and will do his best for the integration. Maintaining the current location of the government office is also advantageous for building consensus among citizens of both regions."

Governor Lee concluded, "The key is that as the central government's authority is significantly transferred and the scope of work expands, the number of public officials will not decrease, so even more office space may be needed. Let us use this city-province integration as an opportunity to achieve complete autonomy and commit ourselves to playing a leading role in making Korea a top-tier nation."