South Jeolla Provincial Council Holds First Meeting of 'South Jeolla-Gwangju Administrative Integration Response TF'

Administrative Integration Response System Launched
Discussions on Special Law and Changes in Council Operations

On January 21, the South Jeolla Provincial Council held the first meeting of the 'South Jeolla-Gwangju Administrative Integration Response Task Force (TF)' at the provincial council, where they discussed the council's response direction and operational plans regarding the promotion of administrative integration.

This TF was formed to enable the council to take a proactive approach from the early stages of the integration process, based on the assessment that the administrative integration of South Jeolla and Gwangju could bring significant changes to the authority, operational system, organization, and finances of the metropolitan council.

The TF is chaired by Speaker Kim Taegyun, and consists of 13 provincial council members selected to ensure balanced representation across standing committees and regions.

During the meeting, in-depth discussions were held on key issues including the use of the name 'South Jeolla-Gwangju Special City,' utilizing the current South Jeolla Provincial Council building as the integrated council building, maintaining the current number of South Jeolla Provincial Council members, and detailing administrative integration financial support projects.

In particular, the TF agreed on the need for thorough prior review of overall council operations, such as the composition of the leadership and standing committees after integration, reorganization of the council secretariat, use of the council building, and changes in support systems for council members. They also decided to respond systematically to prevent any weakening of council functions or operational confusion during the integration process.

Regarding the special city name resulting from administrative integration, the TF emphasized that, considering historical continuity and symbolism, the name 'Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City' would better reflect the sentiments of local residents.

Additionally, since the current South Jeolla Provincial Council building is undergoing expansion with completion targeted for the end of June this year, it was reviewed that, with some remodeling, the building could adequately serve as the integrated metropolitan council building in terms of size and location.

Furthermore, the TF stressed that, as the area of South Jeolla Province is about 24.7 times larger than that of Gwangju Metropolitan City, it is inevitable to maintain or even increase the current number of South Jeolla Provincial Council members to faithfully reflect the diverse opinions of residents across the vast region.

The TF also agreed on the need for institutional improvements to the special law on administrative integration, so that it can more effectively support the stabilization of residents' lives and revitalization of the local economy.

The members stated, "The administrative integration of South Jeolla and Gwangju is a matter that will determine the region's future, making the contents of the special law especially important," adding, "Through this TF, the South Jeolla Provincial Council will responsibly review the overall integration process and do its part to ensure that the council's authority and residents' interests are fully reflected."