A special law for the administrative integration of Daegu-Gyeongbuk, Jeonnam-Gwangju, and Chungnam-Cheongju regions was passed in South Korea's National Assembly Standing Committee and is expected to be processed by the end of the month.
On December 12, the National Assembly’s Administrative Safety Committee of South Korea approved a special law aimed at facilitating the administrative integration of three regional groupings: Daegu-Gyeongbuk, Jeonnam-Gwangju, and Chungnam-Daejeon. Strategically timed to align with the government’s push for economic and administrative efficiency, the proposed legislation is intended to be finalized in the National Assembly's plenary session within the month. The ruling party has expressed intent to fast-track the approval during this legislative period.
The special laws enacted for the three regions include provisions allowing these new integrated city councils to issue local bonds beyond established limits under presidential decree and offer tax reductions to promote development projects. Additionally, the committees proposed provisions for the new integrated city, including setting up a support committee under the Prime Minister's office and enabling regional municipalities to collaborate through the establishment and management of balanced development funds. To protect the interests of public servants whose roles may change due to the integration, the law includes clauses ensuring their rights and providing assistance during reassignments.
However, the urgency surrounding the legal processes—coupled with criticisms of hasty legislation—has raised concerns about the quality and thoroughness of the proposed laws. Critics argue that this rushed approach may lead to unresolved issues impacting public service delivery and governance in the affected regions, as the government emphasizes the need for the law’s passage by the end of February to ensure the new integrated local government can operationalize by July 1.
