Mayor Kang Gi-jung: "Balanced Development Must Be Achieved Through Constitutional Amendment for Local Decentralization"

At the 30th Anniversary of Local Autonomy Forum on November 4
Emphasizing Local Decentralization and Nurturing Regional Talent

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung stated at the "30th Anniversary of Local Autonomy Provincial Governors Policy Forum" held in Seoul on November 4, 2025, that "local decentralization and balanced development must become the core of national competitiveness," adding, "With a centralized structure, it is impossible to prevent the disappearance of local regions."

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung attended the "30th Anniversary of Local Autonomy Provincial Governors Policy Forum" held at the Korea Broadcasting Center in Seoul on the morning of the 4th, presenting a self-reliant local government model including AI, energy decentralization, and balanced development. Photo by Gwangju City

Mayor Kang said, "Over the past three and a half years, Gwangju has driven changes in every sector, including industry, people, welfare, and the economy." He added, "It is desirable that effective policies such as 'Gwangju-style Integrated Care' and the '10 a.m. Start for Elementary School Parents' are being adopted as central government policies."

However, he pointed out, "Even when local governments build industrial complexes and increase jobs, citizens do not feel a significant impact," attributing this to "the centralized structure centered on the president and the National Assembly." He continued, "Even with good youth policies, young people leave the city in search of jobs," emphasizing that "decentralization of industry and energy is essential for balanced regional development."

He stressed, "To prevent the disappearance of local regions, a constitutional amendment for local decentralization is needed, which would grant local governments real authority and responsibility." He further emphasized, "A grand compromise is necessary so that a constitutional referendum can be held during next year's local elections."

Mayor Kang also stated, "The next 30 years of local autonomy should focus on nurturing local talent," adding, "Revitalizing regional universities and fostering local talent will be the direction of future local autonomy."