President Lee Jaemyung Delivers SNS Message on January 2
"It Seems Public Opinion Is Converging on Region-Led Growth"
On January 2, President Lee Jaemyung commented on the discussions regarding the integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam, describing it as "the will of the people." With the local elections in June approaching, debates over regional integration appear to be gaining momentum.
On this day, President Lee posted on his social networking service (SNS) under the title, "After Daejeon and Chungnam, now Gwangju and Jeonnam?" He also attached an article reporting that Gwangju and Jeonnam are discussing integration for the first time in 40 years since their separation.
President Lee emphasized, "The integration of metropolitan governments, which once seemed difficult, is gradually gaining speed," adding, "It appears that public opinion is converging on the need to overcome the dominance of the Seoul metropolitan area and to open a new path for 'region-led growth.'"
Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary, also appeared on the YouTube channel 'Kim Eo-jun's Humility Is Hard News Factory' on the same day, stating, "Regional integration is the right direction, and if we can do it, we should," and added, "It seems that Gwangju and Jeonnam will declare their intention to integrate."
Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung and Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok have both expressed their intent to pursue integration ahead of the June local elections. At a press conference on December 30, Mayor Kang stated, "The President wants to give an opportunity to the Honam region, and it seems he is clearly sending the message to be ready to accept that opportunity." Governor Kim also emphasized, "Now is the optimal time for administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeonnam."
Meanwhile, the issue of administrative integration between Daejeon and Chungnam is also rapidly progressing. Discussions between the two regions began in November 2024, when Daejeon Mayor Lee Jangwoo and Chungnam Governor Kim Taeheum adopted a joint declaration. Although the Democratic Party of Korea initially opposed the idea, the discussions accelerated after President Lee showed a positive response following his inauguration.
On December 5 of last year, at a town hall meeting in Chungnam, President Lee remarked, "As someone responsible for state affairs, I am considering whether Chungnam and Daejeon could be integrated as a model case," and added, "Looking at global trends, metropolitanization is the general path. Local regions cannot be competitive if they remain fragmented."
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