Jeonnam-Gwangju Integration Special Act Passes... Prospective Special Mayors: "Now It's a Race for Implementation"

Emphasizing the Historical Significance of Integration, Unified Welcome Statements

Highlighting Commitment to Implementation After Integration

Balanced Development, Advanced Industries, and Job Creation in Focus

Following the passage of the special law stipulating the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam by the National Assembly, a series of prospective candidates for the position of special mayor of the integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju area from the Democratic Party of Korea have expressed their welcomes. Their statements highlighted the historical significance of the integration while emphasizing their determination to deliver tangible results through the future integrated administration.

According to the local political community on March 2, Democratic Party figures such as Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung and Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok expressed their support for the passage of the special law through social networking services (SNS), welcoming the development.

On January 9, at a luncheon meeting presided over by President Lee Jae-myung held at the Blue House, attendees took a commemorative photo after discussing the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam. Provided by Gwangju City

Mayor Kang stated, "On March 1, just 59 days after the declaration to pursue integration, the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integration Special Act was passed by the National Assembly," adding, "This is a historic moment as Gwangju and Jeonnam break away from the Seoul-centric system and emerge as major protagonists in a new era of national balanced development." He went on to emphasize, "We will open a new tomorrow together with citizens, proving that a fulfilling life is possible not only 'In Seoul' but also 'In Gwangju' and 'In Jeonnam.'"

Governor Kim also commented, "Today, the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Act, the first of its kind for integration in Korea, passed the plenary session, and I warmly welcome this together with 3.2 million residents of Jeonnam and Gwangju." He added, "This is just the beginning. The responsibility is also enormous." He continued, "We will establish ourselves as a future-oriented leading city spearheading advanced industries such as semiconductors, AI, energy, and robotics. The region will rapidly rise as an area opening the way for a population boom from 3.2 million to beyond 4 million."

Assemblyman Min Hyungbae declared, "Starting July 1, the era of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City will fully begin," and evaluated, "The integration of the cities and provinces through this special act is not merely a combination of administrative districts." He further said, "This is the first major step toward realizing President Lee Jaemyung's core vision of national balanced development, the '5 Poles, 3 Specials System.' I will thoroughly scrutinize every detail of the bill hidden behind this grand vision."

Assemblyman Shin Jeonghoon noted, "Serving as the chair of the Public Administration and Security Committee, it was especially meaningful for me to deliberate and directly present the bill at the plenary session," adding, "What matters now is implementation." He continued, "We will ensure that the integration is not limited to the name but leads to job creation, corporate investment, and improvements in education, healthcare, and transportation for residents."

Assemblyman Joo Cheolhyeon stated, "This was made possible by the steadfast determination to overcome the Seoul-centered system and achieve true national balanced development," pledging, "Until the day when the integrated Jeonnam and Gwangju stand tall as the new growth engine of Korea through balanced growth, I will continue to work tirelessly."

Assemblyman Lee Gaeho remarked, "The integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam has been my long-cherished dream, and I am so happy that I could leap for joy," adding, "I sincerely hope that the integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City will become the economic capital of the southern region, rivaling the Seoul metropolitan area."

Assemblyman Jeong Junho said, "With the passage of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integration Act, we are taking the first steps on a path no one has yet walked," pledging, "At every critical juncture toward the completion of integration, I will commit everything to fulfill my role."

Lee Byunghun, Senior Vice Chair of the Democratic Party's Honam Special Committee, also commented, "What matters now is implementation," and stated, "Through administrative integration, we will connect changes in industry, employment, transportation, and living infrastructure."

The Democratic Party's Gwangju City Chapter also issued a statement saying, "The upcoming 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections will be a crucial opportunity to realize this mega-regional vision through concrete policies and responsible administration," and added, "We will ensure a new leap forward for Jeonnam and Gwangju with policy expertise and stable leadership befitting the Integrated Special City."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.