Kim Taehum: "Integration Without Authority Is a Sham... We Cannot Accept Such a Proposal"

Direct Criticism of Daejeon-Chungnam Administrative Integration Incentives
"No Integration Without Implementation of the Original Special Act"

Kim Taehum, Governor of Chungnam Province

Kim Taehum, Governor of Chungnam Province, strongly objected to the government's proposed incentives for the Daejeon-Chungnam administrative integration, stating, "An integration without financial resources or authority is nothing but an empty shell."

Governor Kim made it clear that, "If the special law does not pass in its original form, administrative integration cannot be accepted," and called for a decisive action from the President and responsible legislation from the National Assembly, declaring his intention to respond head-on.

On January 20, during the first plenary session of the 363rd temporary meeting of the Chungnam Provincial Council, Governor Kim presented the key work plans for 2026 and pointed out the background of the Daejeon-Chungnam administrative integration initiative as well as the government's incentive proposal.

He emphasized, "The Daejeon-Chungnam administrative integration is a historic decision by local governments to address structural problems such as regional imbalance and the extinction of local populations caused by the capital region-centric system. Real local autonomy must be the foundation, not just a formal integration."

Governor Kim pointed out, "We demanded the transfer of national taxes such as capital gains tax, corporate tax, and value-added tax to local governments, which would allow for a stable fiscal expansion of 8.8 trillion won per year. However, the government proposal only offers a temporary support of 5 trillion won per year for four years."

He continued, "Temporary fiscal support cannot be a permanent solution for development. Pushing for integration without a sustainable financial base is not solving the problem, but rather shirking responsibility."

Governor Kim also criticized, "Key authorities for regional development, such as exemption from preliminary feasibility studies, designation of national industrial complexes, and lifting of agricultural promotion zones, are all missing from the government proposal. Integration without both financial resources and authority will inevitably be criticized as a 'nominal integration' only."

Governor Kim repeatedly stressed the need to pass the original version of the "Special Act on the Establishment of the Daejeon-Chungnam Special City and the Creation of an Economic and Science Capital," which the provincial council has already agreed upon.

He said, "As governor, I have directly urged the President to take decisive action. Chungnam Province will not back down and will respond head-on until the special law is implemented as originally proposed."

He added, "The Daejeon-Chungnam administrative integration is not an issue driven by electoral interests or political calculations. It is a path for the future of the region, balanced development of Korea, and genuine local autonomy. Therefore, together with the provincial council, we will pursue it to the end."