Gwangju Metropolitan Council Launches Dedicated Task Force for Gwangju-South Jeolla Administrative Integration

General Assembly Reviews Roadmap
Chairperson-Led Task Force to Address Special Legislation and Council Response

As discussions on the administrative integration of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province accelerate, the Gwangju Metropolitan Council has activated a council-level response system.

On the morning of January 12, the Gwangju Metropolitan Council held a general assembly meeting in the council’s main conference room, where it received a report from the city government on the progress of the administrative integration initiative and the future roadmap. The council agreed on the need for a swift and systematic response to protect the interests of city and provincial residents, while also ensuring that the 'golden time' for integration is not missed.

Gwangju Metropolitan Council.

During the meeting, the method of collecting residents’ opinions emerged as a key issue. Some council members argued that procedural legitimacy must be secured through a resident referendum. On the other hand, others considered the current moment-when support from the president, central government, and National Assembly has been promised-as the optimal time to pursue integration, suggesting that replacing a referendum with a council resolution would be a more practical approach to minimize procedural delays. The council decided to comprehensively review the legal procedures, required timeframe, and effectiveness of a resident referendum before determining the method for collecting residents’ opinions.

The council also decided to immediately establish a 'Gwangju-South Jeolla Administrative Integration Council Response Task Force' (tentative name) under the direct supervision of the council chair. Chairperson Shin Sujeong will lead the task force, with members nominated from each standing committee to enhance expertise. The task force will be responsible for researching key issues related to administrative integration, reviewing plans for forming an integrated council, and analyzing and responding to special legislative bills on integration.

In addition, the council plans to expand communication with citizens through policy forums and town hall meetings, and to actively respond during the legislative process for the upcoming 'Gwangju-South Jeolla Administrative Integration Special Bill' by strengthening special provisions and improving clauses of concern.

Chairperson Shin Sujeong stated, "For administrative integration, direction and citizen consent are just as important as speed," adding, "The council will take the lead and respond responsibly to ensure that the will of the citizens is reflected in the integration process."