Gwangju City and Jeonnam Province to Announce 'Integration Declaration' on January 2 Next Year, Accelerating Administrative Integration

Jeonnam Province to Form Administrative Integration Promotion Planning Group Too

From the left in the photo: Kim Ki-jung, Mayor of Gwangju; Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province

There are expectations that Kim Ki-jung, Mayor of Gwangju, and Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, who have agreed to promote administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeonnam, will announce a declaration to pursue this integration (hereinafter referred to as the "Integration Declaration").

According to Jeonnam Province and other sources on December 31, Governor Kim and Mayor Kang are scheduled to visit the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, on January 2 of next year. After paying their respects, the two leaders are expected to announce the "Integration Declaration" for the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam.

Although the specific location and time for the announcement are still under discussion, there is strong speculation that the declaration will be made at the May 18 Democratic Cemetery.

It is reported that Jeonnam Province is reviewing the contents to be included in the declaration, based on the joint declaration for the launch of the integrated local government of Daejeon and Chungnam announced in November last year.

Previously, at a policy meeting with directors on December 30, Governor Kim stated, "For the great revival of Gwangju and Jeonnam, a grand integration is necessary. Establish the Administrative Integration Promotion Planning Group as soon as possible."

Accordingly, Jeonnam Province has set out a plan to form the Administrative Integration Promotion Planning Group in early January, with Yoon Jin-ho, Director of Planning and Coordination and acting Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs, as its head.

Kim Ki-jung, Mayor of Gwangju, also expressed his intention to form a joint administrative integration task force with Jeonnam Province, raising expectations that discussions on administrative integration will begin in earnest from January.

An official from Jeonnam Province stated, "In cooperation with Gwangju City, we will prepare follow-up measures for administrative integration, including the announcement of the Integration Declaration."