On October 20, lawmakers from both parties focused on the delays in the administrative merger of Daegu and Gyeongbuk, as well as the construction of a new airport, during a National Assembly audit at the Gyeongbuk Provincial Office. The main issues discussed included the reasons for the delay in the administrative merger and the long-standing stagnation of the airport project.
Kim Young-bae, a member of the Democratic Party, pointed out that while the central government has provided various supports for the merger of Jeonnam and Gwangju, Daegu and Gyeongbuk, which were the first to discuss integration, have made no progress. He criticized the ongoing delays.
In response, Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo stated, "We have been pushing for this since 2019, but the Legislation and Judiciary Committee has stalled the process. Please help us get it passed within this year."
Kwon Young-jin, a member of the People Power Party, noted that while the Democratic Party holds a majority in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and has not allowed the bill to pass, there have also been aspects where they have given reasons for the delays. He asked, "Could the administrative merger of Daegu and Gyeongbuk serve as a new opportunity for the development of the northern region?"
He further urged for concrete measures to alleviate concerns in the northern region.
The delays in the construction of the new airport in Daegu and Gyeongbuk were also heavily discussed. Kwon pointed out that during his tenure as mayor of Daegu, the site for the integrated new airport was confirmed, yet the project has been stalled for six years.
Kang Myung-gu, another member of the People Power Party, added that while there is a budget for relocating Gwangju Airport, there is no budget for supporting the new airport in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, emphasizing that the same principles should apply to military airport issues.
Additionally, the audit addressed local issues, including measures for victims of large-scale wildfires and plans for relocating the Seokpo Refinery.
Kim Young-bae, a member of the Democratic Party, pointed out that while the central government has provided various supports for the merger of Jeonnam and Gwangju, Daegu and Gyeongbuk, which were the first to discuss integration, have made no progress. He criticized the ongoing delays.
In response, Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo stated, "We have been pushing for this since 2019, but the Legislation and Judiciary Committee has stalled the process. Please help us get it passed within this year."
Kwon Young-jin, a member of the People Power Party, noted that while the Democratic Party holds a majority in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and has not allowed the bill to pass, there have also been aspects where they have given reasons for the delays. He asked, "Could the administrative merger of Daegu and Gyeongbuk serve as a new opportunity for the development of the northern region?"
He further urged for concrete measures to alleviate concerns in the northern region.
The delays in the construction of the new airport in Daegu and Gyeongbuk were also heavily discussed. Kwon pointed out that during his tenure as mayor of Daegu, the site for the integrated new airport was confirmed, yet the project has been stalled for six years.
Kang Myung-gu, another member of the People Power Party, added that while there is a budget for relocating Gwangju Airport, there is no budget for supporting the new airport in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, emphasizing that the same principles should apply to military airport issues.
Additionally, the audit addressed local issues, including measures for victims of large-scale wildfires and plans for relocating the Seokpo Refinery.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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