Over 40,000 Oppose 'Pyeonghwanuri Special Self-Governing Province'... Kim Dong-yeon Says "Not Finalized Yet"

Explanation on Instagram Live Broadcast
"Special Act for the National Assembly Must Be Enacted to Designate"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon clarified that the new name for northern Gyeonggi, 'Pyeonghwanuri Special Self-Governing Province' (Pyeongnudo), is not "finalized" amid controversy over its selection.

On the 29th at around 9:30 PM, Governor Kim held an Instagram live broadcast titled "Northern Gyeonggi Special Self-Governing Province, Residents Ask and Kim Dong-yeon Answers." During the broadcast, he explained, "If a special self-governing province is established, the name must be decided through a special law enacted by the National Assembly."

He added, "There was also an intention to draw attention and interest to this issue," emphasizing the importance of the name by saying, "Since it was called Northern Gyeonggi Special Self-Governing Province, it was shortened to 'Gyeongbuk,' which caused differentiation issues with Gyeongsangbuk-do."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon conducting an Instagram live broadcast.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding the controversy over dividing Gyeonggi Province into northern and southern parts, he stated, "What I want to make clear is that I do not want to use the term 'division.'" He emphasized, "It is not about splitting Gyeonggi Province, but about creating a creative and progressive province by harnessing the unlimited potential of over 3.6 million residents and northern Gyeonggi."

He continued, "Northern Gyeonggi has unlimited potential but is currently underdeveloped. There has been insufficient evaluation of this potential," and added, "The population of 3.6 million is larger than Gwangju or Jeonnam, 1 million more than Gyeongbuk, and three times that of Ulsan. It is an enormous human resource."

Governor Kim reiterated, "Although it has suffered from overlapping regulations, it has well-preserved natural environments. Considering human resources and ecological environment, I want to develop this potential."

Meanwhile, during the broadcast, residents expressed dissatisfaction with the Northern Gyeonggi Special Self-Governing Province in the chat window. Comments such as "We oppose division," "Gyeonggido is not acceptable," and "Please change the policy direction" were posted, and Governor Kim responded to each comment.

Earlier, on the 1st, Gyeonggi Province announced that Pyeongnudo was selected as the new name for Northern Gyeonggi. Pyeongnudo was reportedly the grand prize winner of the Northern Gyeonggi new name contest. However, strong opposition arose among residents regarding the name. Especially immediately after the new name was announced, a petition opposing the division was posted on the Gyeonggi Residents' Petition platform, which has since gathered over 40,000 signatures.

The Gyeonggi Residents' Petition requires Governor Kim to respond directly if more than 10,000 people agree within 30 days. This is the background for Governor Kim's live broadcast on social media that day. Given the high public interest, the broadcast recorded a high viewership with 500 to 600 simultaneous viewers.