Kim Youngrok: "Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration... Expanding the High-Tech Industry"

Emphasizing the Passage of the Special Act in February
Industrial Distribution Across All Regions
Driving Regional Growth with Semiconductor Belt and Financial Incentives
"No Region Will Suffer Budget Losses Upon Completion of the Unified Special Metropolitan City"

Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok held a New Year's press conference on the morning of the 13th at the Jeonnam Provincial Government briefing room, explaining the future direction of the Gwangju-Jeonnam administrative integration. Photo by Shim Jinseok

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, announced his plan to focus administrative efforts on fostering high-tech industries in the region, using the Gwangju-Jeonnam administrative integration as a foundation.

At a New Year's press conference held in the briefing room of the Jeonnam Provincial Government on the 13th, Governor Kim stated, "We will accelerate our efforts with the goal of launching Korea's first special metropolitan city through administrative integration," and added, "We will evenly distribute high-tech industries throughout the region to drive population growth."

He also emphasized the connection with the recent national policy direction.

Governor Kim said, "On January 9, President Lee Jaemyung stated during a meeting with Gwangju and Jeonnam lawmakers and local government leaders that 'there has been a lack of consideration for the Honam region. There needs to be compensation for Honam's past sacrifices and dedication.' This is the background behind the promise of groundbreaking financial incentives through administrative integration."

He continued, "There is ongoing public discussion regarding the creation of a semiconductor belt in the southern region. We are working to establish the necessary infrastructure so that high-tech industries can be attracted to the area. We will ensure positive effects such as job creation by attracting large corporations."

Governor Kim once again stressed the importance of passing the Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration Special Act in February.

He stated, "The prerequisite for completing administrative integration is the passage of the special act. While it is important to fully gather residents' opinions, it is physically difficult to do so within the given timeframe. The most realistic approach is to proceed after listening to the opinions of the city and provincial councils, as stipulated by the relevant laws."

He added, "We will continue efforts to persuade residents. From the 19th until the end of this month, we will hold public hearings for residents in all 22 cities and counties of Jeonnam. We also plan to create various platforms to collect opinions."

Finally, Governor Kim emphasized, "If the Gwangju-Jeonnam administrative integration is realized, a unified special metropolitan city will be launched, combining 22 cities and counties in Jeonnam with the 5 autonomous districts of Gwangju, totaling 27 cities and counties. No region will ever suffer losses in terms of budget allocation."

He further stated, "To prevent relatively marginalized areas such as rural communities from being left behind, we will establish a balanced development fund to prioritize support for underdeveloped regions."