[Interview] "The Language of Integration Is Moving Ahead, but Consensus on the Ground Has Stalled"

Kim Kyungdo, Chairman of Andong City Council,
Voices Strong Criticism on Daegu and North Gyeongsang Integration Talks
"A Roadmap Without Consensus from All 22 Cities and Counties Is a Risky Experiment"

Although discussions on administrative integration between Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province have reignited, there is a growing demand on the ground for a more measured pace and for legitimacy in the process.

In an interview with The Asia Business Daily, Kim Kyungdo, Chairman of Andong City Council, stated, "Administrative integration is not merely a declaration or a political event; it is a major issue that will reshape the future structure of the region." He pointed out, "There is no visible step-by-step roadmap that all 22 cities and counties can agree upon."

"The Process Is More Important Than the Rationale for Integration: Local Councils and Residents Must Be Presented with a Convincing Plan First"

◆ "The Need Is Recognized, But There Is No Blueprint"

Chairman Kim did not deny the fundamental purpose of administrative integration. He said, "I agree that administrative innovation at the metropolitan level is necessary, given the challenges of low birth rates, an aging population, and industrial restructuring." However, he added, "The problem is that there is no concrete vision of what the region will look like after integration."

He continued, "There has been no explanation of how administrative authority and fiscal structures will change after integration, or what specific changes will occur in each city and county. It is difficult to gain local consent based on vague expectations alone."

◆ "Uniform Integration Is Risky Given the Different Realities of the 22 Cities and Counties"

He emphasized the differences in circumstances among the 22 cities and counties that make up Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. Chairman Kim said, "It is risky to apply a single model across the board when there are differences between urban and rural areas, as well as in industrial structures and fiscal independence. The discussion on integration must be based on a tailored approach that takes into account the realities of each region."

He particularly expressed concern that "if administrative and fiscal functions become concentrated in certain areas after integration, the northern region and agricultural, fishing, and rural areas may end up being further marginalized."

◆ "Integration Without Participation from Local Councils and Residents Is Unsustainable"

Chairman Kim also pointed out the problem of local councils being excluded from the integration process. He said, "Local councils are institutions that systematically represent the will of residents. Integration pursued without the participation of councils and residents cannot be sustained in the long term."

He further stated, "Official collection of opinions from each city and county council, as well as resident briefings and public discussions, must precede the process. Only by going through these steps can the legitimacy and trust in integration be secured."

◆ "Trust Over Speed...Now Is the Time to Build Consensus"

Finally, Chairman Kim drew a clear line, saying, "The issue of administrative integration is not about speed but about trust." He emphasized, "While the big picture at the central and metropolitan levels is important, it is even more crucial to first build a consensus among basic local governments that they can move forward together. Presenting a step-by-step discussion structure and a clear roadmap is the most urgent task right now."

The administrative integration of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province is not an issue that can be resolved in a short period of time. The remarks of Kim Kyungdo, Chairman of Andong City Council, make it clear that the discussion needs to shift from 'why integration is necessary' to 'how it should be pursued.' Any integration that fails to secure the consensus and trust of all 22 cities and counties is bound to falter even before reaching the starting line.