Acting Mayor Kim Jeonggi of Daegu Takes Initiative on Daegu-Gyeongbuk Administrative Integration: "To Be Pursued Swiftly"

Kim Jeonggi, Acting Mayor of Daegu, announced on January 19 that the city will move forward with the launch of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Integrated Metropolitan City. Acting Mayor Kim stated, "Now is the optimal time for administrative integration for the next 100 years, as the government's commitment has been confirmed," adding, "We will work swiftly to negotiate administrative integration with Gyeongbuk Province and local political circles."

To facilitate discussions on administrative integration, Acting Mayor Kim plans to begin by meeting with the Chairman of the Daegu City Council and will continue to hold meetings with the Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, the Daegu Superintendent of Education, and local National Assembly members.

Kim Jeonggi, Acting Mayor of Daegu

Daegu and Gyeongbuk were the first in the nation to initiate discussions on administrative integration between metropolitan local governments during the 7th popularly elected term. Notably, during the 8th term, Daegu City Council gave its consent for administrative integration in December 2024, based on overwhelmingly favorable public opinion survey results.

However, the plan was postponed to after the 9th term due to several factors: opposition from residents in northern Gyeongbuk, a lack of public consensus stemming from the absence of concrete support measures such as the transfer of authority from central government ministries and the granting of special privileges, and the timing of local elections and other political events.

Nevertheless, the Daegu-Gyeongbuk administrative integration is seen as a long-term strategy for Daegu's future and as an alternative to address major issues such as the construction of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Civil-Military Integrated Airport. With the government announcing support for administrative integration between metropolitan local governments, a new policy environment has been created. Daegu and Gyeongbuk, which were the first to initiate these discussions, intend to move forward rapidly in consultation with local political circles.

In addition, given the tight schedule for launching the Integrated Metropolitan City, Daegu plans to simultaneously promote the enactment of a special law for administrative integration and public deliberation among city and provincial residents. The city will also seek active understanding and cooperation from relevant organizations, local political circles, and Gyeongbuk Province.

Acting Mayor Kim Jeonggi emphasized, "The Daegu-Gyeongbuk administrative integration is a long-term strategy for Daegu's future and an alternative to address major issues such as the construction of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Civil-Military Integrated Airport. As the government's commitment to transfer authority and provide special support has been confirmed, Daegu City and Gyeongbuk Province will work swiftly with local political circles to ensure the launch of the integrated city during the 9th term."

Meanwhile, the government plans to reallocate national resources by providing up to 5 trillion won annually and up to 20 trillion won over four years to the Integrated Metropolitan City, establishing new administrative integration grants and support funds, and granting the city a status and standing equivalent to that of Seoul. The government will also enhance autonomy in personnel management by establishing departments that reflect local characteristics. Furthermore, the region will be given priority in the second phase of public institution relocations, and tax incentives will be strengthened for new special zones within the Integrated Metropolitan City to boost industrial activity.