Democratic Party Gwangju and Jeonnam Lawmakers Gather: "Special Law on Administrative Integration to Be Proposed This Month"

Democratic Party Lawmakers from Jeonnam and Gwangju Hold Breakfast Meeting
Bill to Reflect Discussions on Location and Name of Administrative Agencies

The Democratic Party of Korea is set to propose a special law on the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam within this month. Following the push for administrative integration between Daejeon and Chungnam, the government is accelerating its 'Five Regions, Three Special Zones' national balanced development policy.

Prime Minister Kim Minseok is taking a commemorative photo with attending lawmakers at the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integration Promotion Special Committee meeting held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on January 14, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On January 21, at a breakfast meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Yang Bunam, head of the Gwangju Metropolitan City branch, stated, "We plan to propose the special law on the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam soon, without letting the end of this month pass," adding, "It appears that the bill will be co-sponsored by 18 lawmakers."

Yang further explained, "The bill will not pass as it is, but will be decided through in-depth discussions in the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee."

The lawmakers plan to reflect in the bill the results of discussions on the location and name of the administrative agencies of the integrated local government. Yang stated, "If we go with 'Gwangju-Jeonnam Special City,' I think the location should be in Jeonnam, and if we go with 'Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City,' perhaps the location should be in Gwangju."

Kim Won-i, head of the Jeonnam Provincial Party branch, responded positively, saying, "Chairman Yang has made an important proposal-a kind of big deal, a balanced proposal for local autonomy. I hope we can discuss this carefully."

However, Kang Gijung, Mayor of Gwangju, conveyed that discussions regarding the name and location of administrative agencies should be postponed. Mayor Kang said, "We should not open Pandora's box," and added, "If the name is also tied to a deal, the discussion will never end."

Kim Youngnam, Governor of Jeonnam, emphasized, "At public hearings, I want to point out that even the smallest issues can be raised."