Recent discussions surrounding the proposed special law for the establishment of a unified city in Gwangju and Jeonnam have revealed that the South Korean government is unwilling to accept many of the provisions outlined in the legislation. During a meeting on the 8th at Mokpo University, Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung announced that, as of June 6, a central government department communicated that it could not fully accept 119 out of 386 articles contained within the draft law. Although the specific contents of these rejected provisions were not disclosed, they are believed to involve critical areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), energy, and the delegation of agricultural and marine industry licensing powers. Mayor Kang expressed concerns that the central departments appear to be resistant to the president’s vision for balanced national development, highlighting that the inertia and vested interests within government impede progress.

Additionally, Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok echoed these concerns, stating that central ministries seem more focused on preserving existing privileges rather than facilitating regional integration. He noted that their rationale often revolves around maintaining equitable standards throughout the nation and preserving central control, which contradicts the empowerment necessary for local governments to pursue development effectively. Both officials called on the central government to consider accepting at least 45 specific provisions aimed at addressing disparities in local governance, advanced strategic industries, renewable energy projects, and the support of industrial zones.

In light of these challenges, the local leaders jointly published a resolution urging prompt legislative action to secure the unique financial and regulatory exemptions necessary for genuine integration. They emphasized that central government resistance is obstructing their timely response to a pressing regional mandate for development, which stresses the need for the acceptance of core provisions that would facilitate local economic growth and uphold President Lee Jae-myung’s vision of decentralizing power and enhancing local autonomy.