Shin Jeonghun to Propose Expanded Autonomy for Gwangju-Jeonnam Integration to President Lee Jaemyung

Directly Conveying Integration Direction at January 9 Luncheon Meeting
Announces Goal to Pass Special Integration Act in National Assembly by February
Emphasizes Deliberation and Public Consensus in Promoting Integration

Shin Jeonghun, Chairman of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, announced that during the luncheon meeting with President Lee Jaemyung and National Assembly members from the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions scheduled for January 9, he would propose a significant expansion of autonomy to ensure that the integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam aligns with a decentralized state and self-governing government.

At a press conference held in the Gwangju City Council briefing room on the afternoon of January 6, Chairman Shin stated, "The integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam is not merely a reorganization of administrative districts, but the first test toward becoming a decentralized state," and added, "As the Chairman of the Public Administration and Security Committee, I will expedite the enactment of the 'Special Act on the Integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam.'

Shin Jeonghun, Chairman of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, holds a press conference on administrative integration at the Gwangju City Council briefing room on the afternoon of the 6th. Photo by Song Bohyun

Chairman Shin explained that, if Gwangju and Jeonnam are integrated, the region will be reorganized into a mega-regional bloc with a population of 3.2 million and a gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of 150 trillion won. He stated, "This will provide the power to design and execute strategies for energy, agriculture and bio, marine, AI, and cultural industries under a unified strategy." He further emphasized, "This is about establishing a core axis that will practically support the national strategy of a five-pole, three-specialized region system, moving beyond the current Seoul-centered structure."

Chairman Shin also noted, "Electing the head of the integrated entity before the local elections in June is by no means an easy task, either physically or administratively," but added, "My current role is to do everything possible to increase the likelihood, even if only slightly."

Chairman Shin identified the role of the central government as the key to successful integration. He stated, "Integration cannot be achieved solely through the will and power of the region; strong support from the central government is essential," and added, "With the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration, the President also welcomes the integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam." He further pledged, "If integration is achieved, I will fulfill my responsibilities without regard to personal political gains or losses."

Regarding authority and finances after integration, he stressed, "The integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam must have a clear direction as a 'special self-governing government,'" and emphasized, "From the legislative stage of the integration act, autonomous financial and administrative powers equivalent to those of Seoul Metropolitan City must be stipulated." He added, "We will ensure, through supplementary provisions and other measures, that finances do not decrease after integration."

Regarding the resident consent process, Chairman Shin stated, "As the Chairman of the Public Administration and Security Committee, I will ensure that, in any form, there will be a process to explain to and obtain the understanding and consent of city and provincial residents." He continued, "We will provide time for deliberation by region, including the Gwangju area, the western region, and the eastern region, and based on this, proceed with the resident consent procedures such as resolutions by the city and provincial councils." He also proposed that the Office of the Prime Minister participate in this deliberative process.

Chairman Shin concluded, "The target deadline for the National Assembly to pass the Special Act on the Integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam is February 28, meaning we have about 40 days," and added, "We will prepare meticulously and thoroughly to make this opportunity the starting point for a major transformation of Gwangju and Jeonnam."