A special law to establish a special administrative city encompassing Jeonnam and Gwangju has made significant progress, passing the National Assembly's Legislative Judiciary Committee on the 24th, signaling a hopeful future for the merger. However, proposals for consolidating Chungnam-Daejeon and Daegu-Gyeongbuk faced significant setbacks as the ruling People Power Party (PPP) opposed the measures, causing delays in the legislative schedule. The Democratic Party has prioritized the passage of these special laws during the February provisional session, yet the unpredictability of political negotiation is becoming apparent, especially after the failure to push through the Daegu-Gyeongbuk proposal despite earlier expectations of agreement.

The Democratic Party expressed concerns about rushing the approval of the administrative restructuring bills, particularly as local elections approach. Senior Deputy Floor Leader Cheon Jun-ho emphasized the importance of political prudence, arguing that pushing through the integration without bipartisan support could lead to significant political repercussions, given that administrative consolidation is linked to electoral "rules." This kind of cautious approach reflects a strategic consideration for potential backlash in the politically sensitive context of upcoming elections.

As the Democratic Party withholds the Daegu-Gyeongbuk consolidation bill in light of the PPP's opposition, pressure is mounting on the ruling party as it risks the blame should its resistance impede an initiative that could bring significant benefits. Internal fractures within the PPP became evident, with calls for accountability from within its own ranks. Lawmaker Joo Ho-young publicly asked for clarity regarding who opposed the Daegu-Gyeongbuk consolidation within the party leadership, signaling deep divisions that could have implications for future party unity and strategy.