The chair of the Local Era Committee urges Busan and Gyeongnam to reconsider their administrative integration plans by conducting large-scale opinion polls rather than costly referendums.
Kim Kyung-soo, the chair of the Local Era Committee, has called for Busan and Gyeongnam to reconsider their proposed administrative integration set for 2028, suggesting a more cost-effective approach using large-scale public opinion polling instead of a mandatory referendum that would cost over 40 billion won. In a press conference held on October 10, he emphasized the importance of gauging public sentiment and securing legislative consent as crucial steps in the integration process. He argued that while public consultations are necessary, the financial burden of a referendum should be considered, and alternative methods could still effectively capture the public will.
Kim highlighted the urgency of moving forward with the integration, stating that delaying the merger could result in significant setbacks, particularly in attracting investment and public institutions to the region. He pointed out that the government's substantial support measures would prioritize integrated municipalities for relocation of public agencies and investment incentives from large corporations. Delaying the merger by two years could potentially cost Gyeongnam dearly in terms of future investments and development, leading to a competitive disadvantage that could last decades.
In response, Gyeongnam officials rejected Kim's proposal, insisting that the integrity of a referendum cannot be substituted with opinion polls. They reiterated their commitment to pursuing a comprehensive and properly conducted integration process, arguing that a robust framework must be in place to reflect the true desires of the residents before any administrative changes are made. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities and differing perspectives surrounding local governance issues in South Korea.
