"You pushed the process this far, and now you say it can't be done"
Directly targeting Kim Taeheum and Lee Jangwoo
Yang Seungjo, former Governor of Chungcheongnam-do and a preliminary candidate for the Democratic Party in the Chungcheongnam-do gubernatorial race, stated, "Integration is the path to survival that will revive local regions," adding, "I will keep the flame of integration alive."
Yang made these remarks on February 28 during a book concert held at the Art Convention Hall of the International Exchange Center at Paichai University in Daejeon.
Yang addressed the need for integration by discussing the concentration of the population in the Seoul metropolitan area. He pointed out, "Over 50% of the population is concentrated in just 11.8% of the country’s land area. The average price of an apartment in Seoul is 1.5 billion won, and young people see no hope." He further explained, "In Cheongyang County, there were only 73 births and 544 deaths; in Buyeo County, 102 births and 163 deaths. The same situation is happening all across Korea’s provinces," emphasizing that integration is a matter of survival for local regions.
Yang also stated, "The administrative integration of Daejeon and Chungcheongnam-do was initiated by Daejeon Mayor Lee Jangwoo and Chungcheongnam-do Governor Kim Taeheum. Lawmakers from the People Power Party proposed a bill, public hearings were held, and both the provincial and city councils passed resolutions," adding, "After you pushed things this far, how can you now turn around with obvious intentions and say it can't be done?" He directly criticized the People Power Party for reversing their position after leading the integration initiative.
He further noted, "More than 21.5 trillion won has been invested in the Sejong Administrative City for over 20 years," and reminded the audience of the fiscal value of integration, stating, "If administrative integration is achieved, 20 trillion won will be invested over five years."
He continued, "Mayor Lee Jangwoo and Governor Kim Taeheum must be held accountable for turning down the opportunity to receive an enormous level of support and decisive action from President Lee Jaemyung, all for their own political interests," raising the issue of responsibility.
Immediately after the book concert, Yang visited the tent where a hunger strike was being held in front of the North Gate of Daejeon City Hall. This site has been the location of a relay hunger strike by the Democratic Party’s Daejeon City chapter since February 27, in protest of the rejection of a 20 trillion won support package and public institution relocation, and in support of the integration of Daejeon and Chungcheongnam-do, with the strike scheduled to continue until March 4.
Yang encouraged the participants by holding their hands and saying, "Those who are keeping the flame of integration alive are here. I will definitely stand with you."
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