"If TK Administrative Integration Proceeds, North Gyeongsang Will Not Develop and Faces High Risk of Disappearance"... Andong City Council Adopts Resolution Opposing the Plan

"Urge to Oppose in the National Assembly"
"Time to Focus on Balanced Development"

Andong City Council adopted a resolution opposing the administrative integration of Gyeongbuk and Daegu at the 249th regular session of the Andong City Council on the 19th. The resolution was jointly proposed by all 18 council members, including Councilor Kim Sunjung.

Through the resolution, Andong City Council pointed out, "The administrative integration of Gyeongbuk and Daegu cannot be a solution to overcoming the crisis of local extinction, and the northern region of Gyeongbuk will lose its growth engine, with the construction of the administrative center Gyeongbuk Provincial Government New Town remaining incomplete."

Andong City Council members adopted a resolution opposing the administrative integration of Daegu and Gyeongbuk.

Andong City Council also stated, "Promoting the administrative integration of Gyeongbuk and Daegu is a 'top-down merger' being pushed unilaterally by the heads of metropolitan governments without the consent of the citizens. While the status of the heads of the integrated city of 5 million may be elevated, Gyeongbuk will face fewer development opportunities and a higher risk of extinction."

Andong City Council urged Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, to halt the push for integration without the consent of the residents, called on the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council to exercise its voting rights to protect the identity and pride of Gyeongbuk residents, and appealed to the National Assembly to take the lead in opposing the Gyeongbuk-Daegu integration in respect for balanced development and the value of local autonomy.

Kim Sunjung, the lead proposer, said, "Although the process began under the banner of administrative integration, it has turned into a power struggle and may end in conflict and division. It is inappropriate to discuss administrative integration when the construction of the provincial government new town has not been completed. The governor of Gyeongbuk should focus on completing the administrative self-sufficient city for 100,000 people in line with the three-phase new town development plan and concentrate on balanced development in the northern region of Gyeongbuk."

Andong City Council consists of 18 members: 10 from the People Power Party, 4 from the Democratic Party, and 4 independents.