The Daejeon City Council, led by members of the People Power Party, has recently approved a resolution urging the Daejeon mayor to request a residents' vote regarding the proposed administrative integration with Chungcheongnam-do. This resolution, passed during a special session, comes in response to a shift in the political landscape, showcasing what many see as a 'self-denial' farce from a council that has previously pushed for the integration in collaboration with the government. Despite the council's support for this integration, concerns about the terms and motivations behind the government's proposal have prompted this sudden call for public input.

During the special session attended by 18 of 21 council members, including 15 from the People Power Party, the resolution was passed within a mere 20 minutes. This move highlights the Council's complex political dynamics and the pressures stemming from the upcoming local elections. Critics among the council members have argued that the government's version of administrative integration deviates significantly from the original understanding agreed upon, targeting the benefits towards certain political factions instead of the local community as a whole.

Several members, including key party figures, have expressed urgency in holding a residents' vote, emphasizing the importance of public opinion in this matter. Some members have called for a reevaluation of the integration proposals entirely, urging both parties to reconsider and return to the negotiation table rather than allowing a politically motivated agenda to dictate local governance. This incident illustrates not just the local governmental strife but also hints at the broader implications of political maneuvering in South Korea as elections approach.