[Report] "Gwangju-Jeonnam Integration Declaration" Made Amidst Subzero Cold of Minus 7 Degrees Celsius

Joint Declaration for Administrative Integration at May 18 Democratic Cemetery: "Immediate Action"
Kang Gijung: "Integration Before June 3 Local Elections" Kim Youngrok: "This Administration Is Different"
Roadmap for Special Act by End of February Presented
Citizens Divided on the Issue

At 9 a.m. on January 2, cold air lingered in front of the Democracy Gate at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju. The perceived temperature was below minus 7 degrees Celsius. City and provincial officials who had gathered before the start of the event stood with their coat collars turned up, rubbing their hands or stomping their feet to keep warm.

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung and Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Young-rok jointly paid respects at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery on the 2nd and announced the "Joint Declaration for Promoting Integrated Local Government." Photo by Gwangju City

On this day, Gwangju City and Jeollanam-do officially declared their immediate intent to pursue administrative district integration at this site. Mayor Kang Gi-jung of Gwangju and Governor Kim Young-rok of Jeollanam-do paid their respects at the May 18 Democratic Cemetery, then announced the "Joint Declaration for the Promotion of Grand Integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam," stating that they would begin the process to launch an integrated local government.

The declaration by the two leaders stated, "In front of the spirits of May, the symbol of Korea's democratization, we will immediately pursue the integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam to open a new era of grand revival for both regions." The declaration also included their commitment to integration, the enactment of a special law for establishing the integrated local government, and the formation of a consultative body as part of the next steps.

Perhaps due to the heightened expectations surrounding this administrative integration, a flurry of questions was asked by reporters on site. In particular, questions were raised about the rapid pace of the process, given that discussions on integration had only begun a few days earlier. With only about five months left until the practical integration, the key issue was how the opinions of citizens would be gathered and reflected.

On the morning of the 2nd, prominent figures from Gwangju and Jeonnam are holding hands and taking a commemorative photo in front of the Democracy Gate at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Song Bohyun

In response, Mayor Kang cited the will of the government and the collection of citizens' opinions as the core conditions for pursuing integration.

He said, "The second most important factor is the government's will," adding, "I believe President Lee Jaemyung's commitment to integration is firm." He continued, "Given that the President himself has mentioned the issue and is seeking public opinion, the government's will is clear."

Mayor Kang's remarks were interpreted as referring to a post made earlier that day by President Lee Jaemyung on social media. In that post, President Lee stated, "Following Daejeon and Chungnam, the integration of metropolitan governments in Gwangju and Jeonnam, which once seemed difficult, is gradually gaining momentum," and added, "It seems that public consensus is forming around the need to overcome the dominance of the capital region and open a new path for 'region-led growth.'"

Mayor Kang further stated, "Integration is an issue directly connected to the daily lives of city and provincial residents," and emphasized, "The key is not so much how to gather opinions, but whether the residents actually want integration." He also said, "If we do not achieve integration before the June 3 local elections, the possibility may become remote," and explained, "Our primary goal for these local elections is to elect the head of the integrated local government."

Governor Kim Young-rok discussed the reasons why previous integration talks had stalled and what sets the current effort apart.

Governor Kim said, "We tried to pursue integration four years ago, but at that time, the central government's will was lacking and there were no tangible benefits, so the discussions had to be put on hold." He continued, "This time, the government is actively encouraging administrative integration, and concrete benefits such as the relocation of public institutions are being discussed." He acknowledged that "time is indeed short, but if there is determination, it can be accomplished," and added, "The relevant research results are already available."

Following Governor Kim's remarks, Assemblyman Jeong Junho of the Democratic Party of Korea, who sponsored the "Special Act on the Establishment of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Metropolitan Special Self-Governing Province (Gwangju-Jeonnam Autonomous Province) and Regional Special Cases," explained the status of the bill. According to Assemblyman Jeong, a task force has already been formed within the party to discuss integration and financial compensation, and a roadmap is in place to process the bill by the end of February.

Assemblyman Jeong stated, "In Seoul, we are closely communicating with lawmakers from the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions to build consensus," and added, "The Democratic Party is also considering making this bill an official party platform." He further explained, "Follow-up discussions, such as public hearings to gather citizens' opinions, are being prepared in both Seoul and the Gwangju-Jeonnam region, and we will strive to ensure that the special law for Gwangju and Jeonnam is processed first."

Regarding the administrative integration declaration, one citizen shared, "(Referring to the public opinion survey conducted by the Gwangju City Council) The survey results indicating general support feel positive," but also emphasized, "It is important to also listen to the opinions of residents who are opposed." The citizen added, "Since every issue has pros and cons, I hope for good coordination, and even amid a positive atmosphere, it is important that the discussions do not fizzle out due to slow progress."

Some have also voiced concerns about the rapid pace of the current administrative integration movement.

One resident said, "I am opposed to hastily pursuing integration without a resident vote," and added, "Although the survey showed a high approval rate, in reality, many city and provincial residents are not even aware that integration is being pursued." The resident continued, "The integration process and its details must be sufficiently shared, and citizens should be guaranteed enough time to make their own judgments."