Kang Gi-jung: "Gwangju-Jeonnam Integration Without Disadvantages... Speed and Listening Together"

Emphasizing the Principle of Preventing Disadvantages for Citizens and Public Officials
Parallel Discussions on Educational Autonomy and Superintendent Integration
Gathering Opinions Through Regional and Professional Public Hearings

Regarding the promotion of administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeonnam, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung stated, "Both before and after integration, the true owners are the citizens," adding, "We will address concerns about potential disadvantages for individuals in their respective positions through special legislation." He emphasized that while accelerating the administrative integration process, measures will be implemented in parallel to minimize anxieties among citizens, public officials, and the education sector.

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong is expressing his position on the promotion of administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeonnam at a press conference held at Gwangju City Hall on the morning of the 13th. Photo by Song Bohyun

At a press conference held on the morning of the 13th, Mayor Kang said, "Even if there is agreement on the overall direction of integration, there are significant concerns among citizens and residents about possible disadvantages that may directly affect their daily lives," adding, "The special law clearly stipulates the principle of excluding any disadvantages." He explained that the legislation explicitly states that existing administrative and financial benefits should not be lost, nor should any new burdens be added as a result of integration.

He also mentioned safeguards to prevent disadvantages for public officials. Mayor Kang stated, "We are preparing measures to guarantee fair treatment, based on their original work jurisdictions, for all public officials and educational officials appointed prior to integration." This remark reflects awareness of growing concerns about personnel instability or changes in employment status during the integration process.

He particularly emphasized the participation of the education sector. Mayor Kang said, "It is very encouraging that the education sector, which has significant concerns on the ground, is actively participating in the integration discussions," and added, "I understand that the superintendents of education in Gwangju and Jeonnam are discussing the promotion of educational administrative integration and the issue of a unified superintendent election." He continued, "The mayors and provincial governors, together with the superintendents of education, have agreed to meet and discuss the independence of educational autonomy and the guarantee of status for educational officials."

Mayor Kang also revealed that plans are underway to expand the rights and benefits that citizens and residents can enjoy as 'special citizens' after integration. He intends to establish special provisions across all sectors of society so that integration leads not only to changes in administrative structures, but also to a real expansion of authority and improvements in quality of life.

He further announced that procedures to gather public opinion will be conducted in parallel. Mayor Kang stated, "We are preparing public hearings with participation from local city councils, district offices, district councils, and educational offices," adding, "We will also hold hearings by professional groups to listen to a wide range of voices from the field."

Mayor Kang stressed the urgency of promoting integration. "This is an opportunity that has come 30 years after three failed attempts at integration," he said, "and to seize this chance, the central government, local governments, the National Assembly, and the political community are all working together to accelerate the process." However, he reiterated the importance of communication with citizens, saying, "Rapid progress and broad listening must go hand in hand."

At the end of the press conference, he also commented on international affairs. Mayor Kang stated, "Right now in Iran, the massacre that occurred in Gwangju in 1980 is being repeated," adding, "Labeling protesters as rioters and turning guns on one's own people must be stopped immediately." He said, "Gwangju understands better than anyone the courage, fear, and loneliness of the Iranian people," and declared, "We stand in solidarity with the people of Iran."