Kim Youngrok: "AI and Energy Transformation as the Starting Point for Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration"

Pursuing Chungcheong Region Integration Through Special Law in March
Non-Capital Region Leadership at Risk Under the Five-Region, Three-Special-Zone System
Proceeding After Fully Gathering Opinions from the Provincial Council and Residents

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, is presiding over a policy meeting with department heads in the Seo Jae-pil Room at the provincial government office on the 30th, discussing current provincial administration issues. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, emphasized the necessity of a voluntary administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, stating on the 30th, "In order to achieve a great revival for Gwangju and Jeollanam-do in the era of AI and energy transformation, a grand unification of the two regions is essential."

At a policy meeting with department heads held in the Seo Jae-pil Room at the provincial office that morning, Governor Kim said, "President Lee Jaemyung has promised special compensation for the special sacrifices made by the Honam region, but we cannot simply rely on this. We need to secure greater rewards for ourselves through extraordinary efforts," he stated.

Governor Kim pointed out, "The Chungcheong region is accelerating its administrative integration, aiming to enact a special law in early March. If Chungcheong, which is now virtually part of the capital area, succeeds in unification, its economic influence and political status will be greatly enhanced, and the leadership among non-capital regions within the five-region, three-special-zone system could shift to Chungcheong."

He also recalled, "Back in 2021, when we attempted administrative integration with former Gwangju Mayor Lee Yongseop, the initiative lost momentum and was halted due to opposition from some areas of Gwangju and the lack of incentives from central government agencies such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. However, since the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration, the situation has changed completely, and now is the optimal time for administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeollanam-do."

The government’s proposed support measures for administrative integration include granting a status and organizational privileges equivalent to those of Seoul, significant delegation of authority over regional core industries and metropolitan administration, expansion of allocations for local grants and consumption taxes, priority consideration for relocating public institutions, establishment of a super-regional special account and gradual expansion of autonomous local special accounts, creation of regional growth engines and advanced national industrial complexes by area, and fostering regional strategic industries through RE100.

Governor Kim stated, "Although Gwangju and Jeollanam-do have been administratively separated for 40 years, economically and emotionally, they have always been one. Artificial administrative boundaries were drawn within the same root, but now it is time to return to our original state."

He continued, "Although time seems short, if there is determination, it is certainly possible to break through. We have the results of a 2023 study on administrative integration, we have already gathered considerable public opinion from local residents, and we have accumulated experience in the process. If opinion leaders from Gwangju and Jeollanam-do quickly come together for discussions on this foundation, it is entirely achievable."

Furthermore, he emphasized, "The mature determination of Gwangju and Jeollanam-do is more important than anything else. We will proceed while fully gathering opinions from the provincial council and residents." He then instructed, "Establish the 'Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration Promotion Planning Group' at the provincial office as soon as possible, and set up a promotion system headed by the acting Vice Governor."

Governor Kim concluded, "If we miss this opportunity, there is no guarantee that such favorable conditions will come again. Please join forces so that the administrative integration, the greatest long-cherished wish of Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, can finally be achieved."