Lee Jaemyung Vows "Full Support" as Gwangju and Jeonnam Accelerate Push for "Special City" Administrative Integration

Kang Gijeong and Kim Youngrok Announce Joint Statement, Officially Launch Integrated Metropolitan Local Government Initiative
Agreement Reached on Maintaining Local Governments and Government Buildings, Establishing Balanced Development Fund
President Lee Jaemyung: "Full Support for Fiscal Measures, Authority, and Relocation of Public Institutions"

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong and Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok have officially declared their intention to launch an integrated metropolitan local government for Gwangju and Jeonnam, modeled as a "Special City" with legal and administrative status comparable to that of Seoul Special City.

On January 9 at 5:45 p.m., Mayor Kang and Governor Kim announced the "Joint Statement for the Launch of the Metropolitan Local Government" at the Gwangju Kim Daejung Convention Center, jointly outlining the direction for the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam.

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong (left) and Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok are taking a commemorative photo after announcing the "Joint Statement for the Launch of Metropolitan Local Governments" on the 9th at the Gwangju Kim Daejung Convention Center. Photo by Song Bohyun

The joint statement includes a commitment to cooperate in incorporating bold administrative support and the transfer of administrative authority into the Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration Special Act, as well as the establishment of a "Balanced Development Fund" to ensure that the integration serves as a foundation for balanced development across Gwangju's five autonomous districts and Jeonnam's 22 cities and counties.

Even after the administrative integration, Gwangju's five autonomous districts and Jeonnam's 22 cities and counties will maintain their current local government structure. The existing Gwangju City Hall and Jeonnam Provincial Government buildings will also remain in place and be used as offices for the integrated metropolitan local government. The final status of the Gwangju-Jeonnam administrative integration has been determined as a "Special City," not a "Special Province," and both parties have agreed to work together to secure legal and administrative status equivalent to that of Seoul Special City.

The Gwangju Metropolitan City and Jeonnam Province governments plan to promptly establish the "Gwangju-Jeonnam Pan-Provincial Administrative Integration Promotion Council," which will include representatives from the local assemblies, business community, academia, and residents. They also intend to continue communicating with residents through regional forums, explanatory sessions, and meetings. The two leaders stated, "We will develop the optimal integration plan based on mutual respect and trust and faithfully implement the contents of the joint statement."

Previously, Mayor Kang and Governor Kim attended a luncheon hosted by President Lee Jaemyung with Gwangju and Jeonnam governors and Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers, where they conveyed the President's commitment to supporting the administrative integration. At the event, they proposed the transfer of national taxes to local governments, an increase in general grants, designation of a semiconductor cluster, consideration for the integrated region during the second phase of public institution relocations, and a full delegation of autonomous powers.

Mayor Kang emphasized, "President Lee stated, 'I want to create the largest corporate city in Honam. I will provide full support to increase the population and grow industries.' Regarding the relocation of public institutions, he also said, 'Dividing them up is not the right approach. I will consider a plan to concentrate them in the integrated region.'"

Addressing concerns about a potential decline in fiscal independence, he added, "The President is preparing specific alternatives, and Prime Minister Kim Minseok is scheduled to announce related details on January 16."

Governor Kim also conveyed that the President said he would "provide unprecedented support and assistance," and regarding fiscal special measures, "support beyond expectations."

Regarding post-integration operations, the President stated that the locations of the city and provincial government offices would remain unchanged, cities, counties, and districts would also be maintained, and existing plans for the national integrated medical school and airport relocation would proceed as originally planned.

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong (left) and Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok. Photo by Song Bohyun

The two leaders said the President emphasized, regarding the resident referendum process, that "while procedural advantages exist, the opinions of the city and provincial assemblies are also significant," and that "it is important to pursue integration swiftly and without conflict." At the end of the luncheon, President Lee reportedly said, "Administrative integration is not an easy path, but it can only move forward when the timing is right. Thank you for making this difficult decision. Let us create a turning point for the development of Honam together."