Jeonnam Democratic Party Committee Resolves to Elect Unified Metropolitan Mayor for Jeonnam-Gwangju Integration

Jeonnam Democratic Party Committee Unanimously Adopts Party Platform at Executive Committee Meeting
Chairman Kim Woni: "A Historic Decision for the Great Transformation of Honam"

The Jeonnam Provincial Party Committee of the Democratic Party held the 2nd Executive Committee meeting on the 12th and unanimously approved the promotion of administrative integration between Jeonnam and Gwangju. Provided by the Democratic Party Jeonnam Provincial Party Committee

The Jeonnam Provincial Party Committee of the Democratic Party held its 2nd Executive Committee meeting on the 12th and unanimously adopted the party platform to promote the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju. The committee also held the "Resolution Rally for the Integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju for the Great Transformation of Honam," publicly declaring its official stance and commitment to the integration both internally and externally.

In its resolution statement released on this day, the Jeonnam Provincial Party Committee stated, "The integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju is not merely a reorganization of administrative districts, but a historic choice aimed at overcoming structural crises such as population decline, local extinction, industrial crises, and the disappearance of rural and fishing villages, enabling the Honam region to emerge as a new growth axis for South Korea."

In particular, the committee referenced the meeting held on January 9, where President Lee Jaemyung and National Assembly members from the Jeonnam and Gwangju regions discussed integration and development plans for Honam at the Blue House. The committee emphasized, "The President highly valued Honam's historic contribution to defending democracy and made it clear that special sacrifices require special compensation."

The committee further evaluated, "The promises of large-scale financial support, relocation of public institutions, attraction of strategic industries and companies, and other intensive and unprecedented national-level support represent a historic opportunity that is only possible when Jeonnam and Gwangju move forward as a single future community."

With the decision to hold a unified metropolitan mayoral election for Jeonnam and Gwangju in the upcoming June 3 local elections, the Jeonnam Provincial Party Committee announced its intention to accelerate efforts in the following areas: active support for the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju; ensuring a fair integration that does not presuppose the sacrifice or subordination of either side; maintaining the current government buildings and ensuring balanced administration, finance, and authority; respecting the voting rights of the Jeonnam Provincial Council and Gwangju Metropolitan Council and guaranteeing the collection of residents' opinions; establishing a special committee for the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju and enacting a special law to support the integration; and ensuring the smooth establishment of a national medical school in Jeonnam Province.

Chairman Kim Woni stated, "The integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju is not a matter of immediate convenience, but a responsible decision for the next generation," adding, "Together with the government, the party, and the local community, we will fulfill our responsibility to ensure that integration leads to a great transformation of Honam."

Meanwhile, the Jeonnam Provincial Party Committee announced plans to strengthen explanations and communication with residents and citizens following this party platform decision, and to actively ensure that the entire integration discussion process is conducted transparently and democratically.