Chungbuk is under pressure as the push for the merger of Chungnam and Daejeon gains momentum, raising fears of being left as a "plain province" without special designation. Leaders from Chungbuk, including Governor Kim Yeong-hwan and Assembly Chair Lee Yang-seob, have called for special legislation to create 'Chungcheongbuk Special Self-Governing Province' and argue that the current plan would disadvantage them financially compared to areas that already have special status. According to Chungbuk officials, the government supports Chungnam and Daejeon with potential annual funding of up to 5 trillion won, which they deem discriminatory towards Chungbuk, as it lacks systemic benefits afforded to similar regions such as Gangwon, Jeonbuk, and Jeju.

In light of the proposed integration, Chungbuk has firmly rejected the narrative that it might be absorbed into the unified region, responding strongly to a proposed legislation that was submitted by 162 legislators aiming to create a ‘Special City of Chungnam-Daejeon’ featuring provisions for administrative integration with Chungbuk and Sejong. The Chungbuk government has expressed its concerns about this integration process happening without prior consultation with them, stating that it violates the principle of local autonomy as mandated by local self-governance laws.

During an invited meeting discussing ongoing administrative integration efforts, the Chungbuk Regional Headquarters for Balanced Development and Local Autonomy has raised alarms about the implications of the integration bill, suggesting it lays groundwork for future integration with Sejong and Chungbuk. Community organizations have voiced their opposition to the government’s persistent push for rapid administrative unification without adequate consideration of local opinions, underscoring the need for a more inclusive approach to governance that does not prioritize mergers as the sole solution to regional issues.