Expressing Strong Views on Local Autonomy
at the Joint Academic Conference on "Balanced Development"
Hosted by the Korean Association for Local Government Studies and Sejong City
Regarding the government's ongoing "Five Hubs, Three Special Zones" initiative, opinions have been raised that a more critical perspective and complementary alternatives are needed.
On November 3, Hong Nayoung, Member of the Sejong City Council of the People Power Party (Floor Leader), participated as a designated panelist at an academic conference on the completion of Sejong as the administrative capital in connection with the national balanced growth strategy. She pointed out the limitations of the "Five Hubs, Three Special Zones" strategy and proposed measures for achieving genuine balanced development.
Hong stated, "The government's 'Five Hubs, Three Special Zones' strategy focuses investment only on five key cities, which may actually widen the gap with other underdeveloped cities and counties within those regions." She further warned, "By concentrating on these hubs, there is a high risk of creating new imbalances."
She continued, "Given the difficulties faced by the Chungcheong Metropolitan Alliance, if practical resources and authority remain minimal, there is a significant risk that such organizations will become merely symbolic." She explained, "For true balanced development, the central government must first transfer genuine authority to local governments."
She also highlighted issues with attracting businesses. She said, "Simply merging administrative districts does not automatically attract companies. As seen in the case of POSCO in Pohang, a leading company must first establish itself, which then draws talent and drives regional development."
Regarding the proposal to establish a "Korean-style ANCT" for integrated coordination of national balanced development, Hong voiced concerns. She said, "If the authority of central government agencies becomes too strong, the ANCT could function as yet another form of 'central control.' It is essential to secure local governments' autonomy by expanding their authority."
At the discussion, Hong's remarks also drew attention when she stated, "Rather than becoming overly absorbed in constitutional and legal debates, it is urgently necessary to take a practical approach by promptly implementing the already-approved National Assembly Sejong Office and the President's Sejong Office to complete Sejong as the administrative capital."
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