COGNICURRENT

As the 2026 K League 1 season approaches, Daejeon Hana Citizen emerges as a strong title contender, highlighted during a media day event with fans and team coaches.

Chungbuk Governor Kim Young-hwan welcomed the postponement of a special law for the administrative integration of Chungnam and Daejeon, emphasizing the need for thorough consideration and regional representation.

The proposed special law for the administrative integration of Chungnam and Daejeon has been stalled at the National Assembly level, leading to intense political blame between the Democratic Party and the ruling party.

Jung Cheong-rae of the Democratic Party criticized People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk for not responding to his proposal for a meeting to discuss administrative integration between Daejeon and Chungcheongnam-do.

The proposal to establish a special administrative city in Jeonnam and Gwangju passed the National Assembly's Legislative Judiciary Committee, while consolidation proposals for Chungnam-Daejeon and Daegu-Gyeongbuk were suspended due to opposition from the ruling party.

The integration of Daejeon and Chungnam faces significant opposition, affecting the political landscape ahead of local elections in June, particularly regarding the future of key political figures like Kang Hoon-sik.

President Yoon has stated that the proposed administrative integration of Chungnam and Daejeon should not be forced without sufficient consensus from the local community and political circles, highlighting opposition from the opposition parties and regional councils.

A special law for the establishment of an integrated metropolitan city between Jeonnam and Gwangju was passed by the National Assembly's Legal Affairs Committee.

Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the People Power Party for opposing the Chungnam-Daejeon administrative integration law, questioning their changing stance on the issue.

The Democratic Party has introduced three special laws for the establishment of integrated metropolitan cities in South Korea, but the opposition party continues to oppose the proposal for Chungnam and Daejeon.

Civic organizations in Chungnam and Daejeon are calling for the suspension of the National Assembly's processing of the administrative integration special law, citing a lack of adequate public consultation.

Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, proposed an official meeting with Zhang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, to advance discussions on administrative integration of Chungcheongnam-do and Daejeon.

The Daejeon Fire Department has announced the year-round operation of a new 'pump-ambulance' system to enhance emergency response effectiveness.

Daejeon City Council and Chungnam Provincial Council, both predominantly from the ruling party, held an extraordinary session rejecting administrative integration with Chungcheongnam-do after previously supporting it just months earlier.

The introduction of 'smart community centers' in Daejeon has transformed the traditional gathering spaces for the elderly into vibrant digital welfare ecosystems.

The Democratic Party of Korea plans to pass special legislation for administrative integration in three regions, but the People Power Party opposes the Daejeon-Chungnam integration while supporting others, leading to political tensions.

The Administrative Integration Special Bill has passed through the National Assembly’s Administrative Safety Committee, receiving positive reactions from Daegu and Gyeongbuk, but facing strong opposition from Daejeon and Chungnam.

Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo has formally requested the Ministry of Interior and Safety to conduct a resident vote regarding the administrative merger of Daejeon and Chungnam politics.

Mayors from Busan, Gyeongnam, Daejeon, and Chungnam have submitted a proposal to the Blue House advocating for the establishment of a Basic Law for Administrative Integration.

The Daejeon City Council has passed a resolution calling for a residents' vote on the administrative integration with Chungcheongnam-do after a shift in government direction, reflecting a contradiction in their previous stance.

Kim Hyun-young, a visually impaired psychotherapist and former ballerina, discusses how her disability enhances her counseling practice.

Chungbuk has proposed establishing a special self-governing province while opposing its potential absorption into a merged Chungnam and Daejeon.

A court ruling deemed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's dismissal of a truth application regarding victims of the Daejeon Reporters' Association as illegal, citing a lack of proper investigation.

The South Korean government will invest approximately 1.2 trillion won to improve congested roads in six major cities: Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Ulsan.

The preliminary candidate registration for the June 3 local education superintendent elections has started, highlighting the significance of candidate unification between conservative and progressive factions and discussions of administrative integration in regions like Gwangju, Jeonnam, Daejeon, Chungnam, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk.

The Democratic Party plans to process the special laws for administrative integration of Chungnam-Daejeon and Jeonnam-Gwangju in the relevant committee before the Lunar New Year holiday.