Jung Cheongrae Officially Proposes Bilateral Meeting to Jang Donghyuk: "Let’s Seriously Discuss the Administrative Consolidation of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province"

Discussions on Administrative Consolidation of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province
"Not an Issue to Be Judged by Electoral Advantages or Disadvantages"
"Schedule and Venue to Follow Leader Jang's Wishes"

On the 23rd, Jung Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, officially proposed a bilateral meeting to Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, regarding the administrative consolidation of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province.

At the Supreme Council meeting of the Democratic Party of Korea held at the National Assembly that day, Jung said, "The administrative consolidation of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province, and of South Chungcheong Province and Daejeon, which is at risk of drifting due to the obstinacy of the People Power Party, is not an issue to oppose based on electoral advantages or disadvantages," adding, "I propose to leader Jang an official meeting between the leaders of the two parties to make substantial progress on administrative consolidation." He said, "Both leader Jang and I are from South Chungcheong Province," and added, "For the balanced development of the Republic of Korea and the development of our hometown, the two of us should first put our heads together and have a serious conversation." He went on to say, "Political strife is only wasteful and merely squanders time," and added, "We must narrow our differences in views, swiftly finalize the points on which we can reach agreement, and report back to the people in a responsible manner."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on February 20, 2026. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

He said he would follow leader Jang's wishes regarding specific details such as the schedule and venue of the meeting.

Jung added, "Politics should not be a stage for confrontation, but a space for designing the future," and said, "I call on you to join in responsible cooperation for the sake of the Republic of Korea's tomorrow."

He also stressed the need for administrative consolidation. Jung said, "The administrative consolidation of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province, and of South Chungcheong Province and Daejeon, was first proposed by the People Power Party, and administrative procedures have already been carried out," adding, "Now we must clarify the principles, timetable, and procedures, and complete the reorganization of the administrative system, which is a centennial national task."