In a recent press conference, Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo announced his request for a resident vote on the proposed administrative merger of Daejeon and Chungnam, following the adoption of a resolution by the Daejeon City Council that called for such a vote. Lee expressed concerns about the expedited legislative process imposed by the government, suggesting that it undermines the principles of local autonomy and democratic deliberation. He criticized that the government's approach was akin to a political tool rather than a genuine engagement with the community's opinion.

Mayor Lee highlighted his initial supportive stance toward the merger, which was intended as a response to issues like the concentration of power in the metropolitan area and the decline of local regions. However, he has become increasingly critical of the current rush to finalize the merger without adequate public consultation. Lee pointed out that the proposal from the ruling Democratic Party includes contentious provisions that favor the Gwangju-Jeonnam area, which he believes discriminate against Daejeon-Chungnam residents in the context of administrative integration.

As the situation develops, Lee indicated that he would be seeking to reconvene the Daejeon City Council to gather opinions on any amendments proposed by the National Assembly's administrative committee. He emphasized the importance of including a local perspective in the legislative process, especially with crucial dates approaching, like the potential resident vote by March. The discourse around this administrative merger and resident vote reflects broader concerns about local governance and democratic processes in South Korea, particularly regarding how local communities are consulted in significant political decisions.