The Push for Jeonnam-Gwangju’s Integration: What Key Provisions Are Essential for Success?

Governor Kim Young-rok has launched an aggressive campaign to ensure key provisions are included in the special law for establishing the integrated special city of Gwangju and South Jeolla, targeting both the federal government and Congress.

Following a fifth meeting with members of Congress on the 8th and a meeting with the Prime Minister on the 9th, Governor Kim met with Shin Jeong-hoon, Chairman of the Administrative Safety Committee, and Yoon Geon-young, Chair of the Legal Review Subcommittee, on the 10th to personally advocate for the inclusion of crucial provisions in the special law.

This meeting coincided with the special law entering the formal legislative review process in Congress. Governor Kim explained to the committees responsible for reviewing the bill the importance of establishing a solid institutional foundation for the integrated special city to function effectively.

He emphasized that if the special provisions for the integrated special city remain merely declarative, they will lack real impact. Therefore, he insisted that the legislative stage must clearly define specific financial, industrial, and administrative authority provisions.

Moreover, he stressed the need for a long-term and sustainable financial support system, not limited to initial assistance, to ensure the stable establishment of the integrated special city. He underscored that transferring key authorities in energy and advanced industries to local control is crucial for securing future growth drivers in the region.

In response, Chairman Shin and Subcommittee Chair Yoon expressed their understanding of the administrative integration’s intent and the local conditions. They stated that they would carefully review these matters during the special law’s examination process.

South Jeolla Province has formed a dedicated task force for the administrative integration special law, led by the Vice Governor for Economic Affairs. The task force plans to maintain a presence in Congress during the review period to vigorously advocate for the inclusion of key provisions.