"Special Law Must Clearly Stipulate Financial Support and Special Authorities"
Jin Jinsuk, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea
Jin Jinsook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed her support on January 16 for the government's announcement of administrative integration incentives, stating, "The driving engine for launching a metropolitan local government has been completed."
Jin assessed that this announcement would serve as a turning point, elevating the discussion on Gwangju-Jeonnam administrative integration from a declarative level to an actionable phase.
In a statement released that day, Jin said, "These incentives have clearly positioned the launch of a metropolitan local government not simply as an administrative district merger, but as a national agenda for balanced development and regional competitiveness." She added, "It is significant that the government has presented concrete and practical momentum for implementation."
The government is considering providing up to 5 trillion won per year, and up to 20 trillion won over four years, in financial support for metropolitan-level local governments pursuing administrative integration. It also proposed granting the integrated special city an administrative status equivalent to that of Seoul, along with autonomy in personnel and organizational management.
Additionally, the plan includes giving priority consideration in the second phase of public institution relocations and providing industrial support measures to foster a start-up-oriented city favorable for business.
Jin stated, "This is not a proposal that demands 'sacrifice for integration,' but a clear offer that the state will shoulder the costs of integration for growth. It is a clear response to the region's ongoing call for a greater national role."
She continued, "The government's strong will to shift the national development paradigm from a Seoul-centered system to region-led growth is reflected here. This will serve as an opportunity to make real progress in the Gwangju-Jeonnam integration discussions, which had stalled due to issues of financial burden and allocation of authority."
Jin also outlined tasks necessary for successful administrative integration.
She emphasized, "To ensure that financial support and special authorities are not just one-off measures, they must be clearly stipulated in the special law on administrative integration. Gwangju and Jeonnam local governments should also move forward swiftly, prioritizing the interests of their residents."
She further noted, "Ultimately, the success or failure of administrative integration depends on the choice of the residents. Democratic consensus and communication are needed to ensure that no region is left behind."
Jin concluded, "As a member of the National Assembly, I will do my utmost in legislative and budgetary support to ensure the government's bold decision leads to tangible budgetary and policy results. This is a rare opportunity for city-province integration that may not come again."
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