The Ministry of Interior and Safety announced that Deputy Minister Kim Min-jae visited Gwangju on June 10 to assess the progress of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, which is set to launch in July. He also held a meeting with local bookstore representatives to discuss improvements to existing regulations.
During his visit to Gwangju City Hall, Deputy Minister Kim chaired a meeting to review the status of the special city’s launch. He commended the efforts of the working group and other officials who have been tirelessly advancing integration efforts since the special law was passed on March 5.
The special law comprises 408 articles across 13 chapters, including 394 special provisions and 44 delegations of authority. This initiative marks the first attempt at integrating metropolitan local governments in South Korea, granting the new local government a status equivalent to that of Seoul.
Kim closely examined the preparations across various sectors, including local regulations, administrative systems, and information systems, as well as the tasks that remain before the launch. He particularly emphasized the need to minimize public inconvenience during the temporary suspension of services due to the integration of information systems, urging proactive communication with citizens.
"This integration goes beyond merely merging administrative districts; it represents a pivotal moment for local-led growth, overcoming the dominance of the metropolitan area and establishing a core hub for the 'Five Extremes and Three Specials,'" Kim stated. He added that, given the high public interest and expectations, it is crucial for Jeonnam, Gwangju, and the Ministry to collaborate closely to ensure a smooth launch.
Following this, Deputy Minister Kim visited a local bookstore, Dongmyeong Bookstore, in Gwangju's Dong-gu district, where he held a discussion with bookstore representatives regarding regulatory improvements. This visit aimed to directly hear the challenges faced by local bookstores amid a continuous decline in their numbers and sales.
The Ministry of Interior and Safety announced a legislative proposal to amend the enforcement decree of the Local Government Contract Act, which would include purchases from local bookstores or cooperative bookstores as eligible for direct contracts. This reform aims to expand opportunities for local bookstores in the public book purchasing process.
Kim toured the bookstore, made a purchase, and gathered on-site feedback regarding the operational conditions of local bookstores and the challenges they face in the public book procurement process. He stated, "Local bookstores enhance residents' access to reading and promote local reading culture as community cultural spaces. We will ensure that the opinions from the field are thoroughly reflected in the regulatory improvement process to broaden the participation of local bookstores in public book purchases."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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