Mokpo Mayoral Pre-candidate Sungwhi Kang Proposes 'Muan Peninsula Integrated Special City'

Calls for Immediate Pre-Integration of Mokpo and Shinan After Local Elections

Sungwhi Kang, Preliminary Candidate for Mayor of Mokpo from the Democratic Party of Korea.

Sungwhi Kang, a pre-candidate for Mayor of Mokpo in Jeollanam-do, has officially proposed the concept of the "Muan Peninsula Integrated Special City," which would unite Mokpo, Muan, and Shinan into a single city.

On March 3, Kang released a statement saying, "With the current fragmented administrative system, it is difficult to overcome the structural crisis of the southwestern region, including population decline, industrial stagnation, and fiscal vulnerability." He added, "We must reorganize the Muan Peninsula, which is already functioning as a single living and economic zone, into a new administrative entity."

He made it clear that the designation as a "Special City" is a prerequisite for integration. Kang emphasized, "A mere formal integration that only merges administrative boundaries is meaningless. The integration will only be complete if the area is designated as a Special City, where authority and fiscal special provisions are guaranteed, enabling focused development of national future strategic industries such as AI and energy."

Kang also pointed out that the current requirements for Special City designation are based primarily on population criteria and do not reflect the realities faced by regions at risk of local extinction. He called on the government to: ▲ revise the requirements for Special City designation; ▲ establish a legal basis for Special City designation when three or more cities or counties are integrated; and ▲ grant substantial authority and fiscal special provisions to the integrated region.

Kang stated, "The integration of three or more cities or counties is not simply an administrative adjustment but a strategic decision for balanced national development," adding, "It must be accompanied by corresponding status and support."

He also proposed that, immediately after the local elections, Mokpo and Shinan should begin the initial integration process. Kang noted, "A political commitment is necessary to prevent integration talks from losing momentum after the election," and suggested, "Let us pursue a joint pre-integration declaration involving all candidates running for Mayor of Mokpo."

Kang emphasized, "Integration is not a pledge of a specific political party but a shared task for the future of the southwestern region," adding, "Discussions on integration must continue regardless of the election results." He concluded, "The Muan Peninsula Integrated Special City is the starting point for building a central city of 500,000 in the southwestern region. Integration is not a choice, but a survival strategy."

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