On the 11th, at the 2nd plenary session of the 347th regular meeting of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Council, Heo Bok, a member of the Construction and Firefighting Committee (People Power Party, Gumi 3), called for an official stance on the naming issue regarding the Daegu-Gyeongbuk administrative integration, the relocation of the Saemaul Undong Central Association to Gumi, and policy proposals to revitalize education in North Gyeongsang Province.
Amid ongoing controversy over the Daegu-Gyeongbuk administrative integration proposed by the Mayor of Daegu as a means to address population decline and promote balanced regional development, Representative Heo insisted that the name of the integrated metropolitan city must include 'Gyeongbuk' to address concerns among North Gyeongsang residents and requested an official response from North Gyeongsang Governor Lee Cheolwoo.
In the case of the failed Daegu-Gyeongbuk administrative integration in 2022, the 'naming' issue was the biggest topic of debate. Similarly, in the current integration discussion, the key issue is that the name must be decided with full consideration of the pride, historical significance, legitimacy, and identity of North Gyeongsang residents.
Representative Heo stated, "Administrative integration is a matter of great importance that will shape the next hundred years for the region, so improving residents' quality of life, regional development, and national progress must come first." He emphasized that the process should not be constrained by a two-year deadline to thoroughly analyze the pros and cons and proposed establishing the 'Gyeongbuk-Daegu Special Local Government' as a transitional body for administrative integration.
Heo also pointed out that although North Gyeongsang is the birthplace of the Saemaul Undong, there is a lack of related educational programs, such as training for Saemaul leaders. He stressed that currently, North Gyeongsang is barely maintaining the spirit of the Saemaul Undong and urged the relocation of the Saemaul Undong Central Association from Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, to Gumi.
Additionally, continuing with questions on the support plan for the construction of the Park Chunghee Presidential Memorial Park currently being promoted in Gumi, he emphasized, "President Park Chunghee is not just a symbol of Gumi, but of North Gyeongsang and the Republic of Korea." He then proposed naming the Daegu-Gyeongbuk integrated new airport as 'Park Chunghee International Airport.'
Currently, in Korea, airport names are determined based on their geographical location, such as Incheon Airport and Gimhae Airport. However, in foreign countries, airports are often branded with the names of presidents and great figures, such as Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, USA, and Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkiye.
In support of this, Heo stated, "To maximize the symbolic significance of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk integrated new airport as the representative international airport of the Yeongnam region, it should be named Park Chunghee International Airport."
Heo also raised questions regarding pending projects in Gumi, explaining that the daily traffic volume on Gumi Bridge is about 47,000 vehicles, which exceeds the appropriate capacity. Despite receiving a continuous C grade in precision safety inspections, the construction of the (tentatively named) New Gumi Bridge has been difficult due to budget and legal limitations in Gumi City. He requested support for these local projects and emphasized the urgency of preparing measures for the future development of North Gyeongsang, such as creating systems to enable the promotion of railway underground projects in Gumi.
Heo then questioned the North Gyeongsang Superintendent of Education about the activation of the principal recruitment system, which values a principal's competence over certification.
The principal recruitment system was created to improve the promotion-centered culture in education and to promote smooth communication and curriculum autonomy in schools. Heo emphasized that this system is particularly suitable for North Gyeongsang, which has many rural areas. He pointed out, "The current operation rate of the principal recruitment system in North Gyeongsang is about 2%, which is far below the national average of 9%." He proposed that the system should be expanded in North Gyeongsang to enhance school performance and credibility.
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