The preparation committee officially commenced its activities with the inaugural ceremony and a full meeting on the same day. This committee serves as a public-private partnership body that will provide direction for the integration process. It is tasked with discussing and mediating issues that cannot be resolved through the existing "City-Province Policy Council" between Jeollanam-do and Gwangju Metropolitan City.
The committee comprises 17 members, including 14 private sector experts in local administration, urban development, and economic industry, recommended by Jeollanam-do, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and the Ministry of Interior and Safety, along with three ex-officio government members. Regular meetings will be held in Jeollanam-do and Gwangju Metropolitan City until June.
The preparation committee will engage in various discussions regarding key policies related to the launch of the integrated special city. The three entities have agreed to actively cooperate to ensure that the committee's deliberations are faithfully reflected in future policies concerning the integrated special city.
During the inaugural ceremony, certificates of appointment were presented to the private members, and the first meeting was held. The meeting included reports on the progress of the integrated special city initiative, the current state of preparations, an overview of the committee, and operational plans. The committee's purpose and functions were also discussed, along with the election of a chairperson and the establishment of operational rules.
Following the ceremony, a memorandum of understanding was signed by Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeollanam-do; Kang Ki-jeong, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City; Kim Tae-kyun, Chair of the Jeollanam-do Council; Seo Yong-kyu, Acting Chair of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Council; and Kim Min-jae, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Interior and Safety.
The parties committed to respecting the committee's discussions based on mutual respect and trust, and to diligently work together to ensure the smooth launch of the integrated special city, which aims to become a central axis for balanced national development.
Minister of Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung stated, "The integrated special city, the first of its kind in history, will serve as a focal point for balanced regional development, overcoming the concentration of power in the metropolitan area and the crisis of regional extinction. The central and local governments will work as one team to ensure thorough preparations for the launch."
Additionally, the Ministry of Interior and Safety plans to announce legislative proposals related to the integrated special city from May 8 to June 5 to facilitate its successful establishment. This includes the need to grant a status equivalent to that of Seoul and to revise standards for administrative positions and personnel numbers.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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