Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam: "Council of Governors Must Further Strengthen Its Practical Functions"

"In order to elevate the role and status of local governments, the practical functions of the Council of Governors, which represents local governments, must be further strengthened."

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, made these remarks at the "Korea Council of Governors Executive Meeting" held in Yeouido, Seoul, on December 18, 2025.

Governor Park emphasized, "The Council of Governors should not remain a mere formal consultative body," adding, "It is important for the council to serve as a control tower for local governments, leading policy and institutional improvements that residents can truly feel."

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province (from left), Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju, Yoo Jungbok, Mayor of Incheon, and Choi Minho, Mayor of Sejong, are attending the "Korea Council of Governors Executive Meeting" and taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Gyeongnam Province

As Vice President of the council and co-chair of the Central-Local Cooperation Council's Working Committee, he has consistently raised the importance of fiscal cooperation between central and local governments, representing the interests of local governments.

He stressed the need to legislate mandatory prior consultations on policies that place a burden on local finances, and proactively submitted related bills as agenda items.

Governor Park stated, "The Council of Governors must take the lead in ensuring that already-discussed agenda items, such as measures to strengthen central-local fiscal cooperation, are effectively implemented," adding, "As co-chair of the Central-Local Cooperation Council's Working Committee, I will carefully ensure that the voices of local governments are faithfully reflected in government policy."

The "Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Council of Governors of the Republic of Korea" is being held at Unsan in Yeouido, Seoul. Provided by Gyeongnam Province

This year, marking the 30th anniversary of local autonomy, the Council of Governors adopted a joint statement to strengthen local autonomy, which included hosting policy forums for governors, urging the transfer of special local administrative agencies, and welcoming the expansion of comprehensive grant projects.

In addition, the council submitted local agenda items aimed at expanding fiscal autonomy to the Central-Local Cooperation Council.

Attending the meeting were Yoo Jungbok, Mayor of Incheon and President of the council; Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province and Vice President; Choi Minho, Mayor of Sejong and Vice President; and Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju and Auditor.

They shared the council's major achievements for the year and discussed work plans for the coming year.

Furthermore, they agreed to hold general meetings more frequently, systematically discuss local perspectives on major government policies, and seek joint response measures in order to strengthen the council's functions.

The council plans to share the agenda items discussed and the opinions of the governors with all provinces and metropolitan cities nationwide, and will continue policy activities centered on the executive committee next year to further promote local autonomy and fiscal independence.