Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo and South Chungcheong Governor Kim Tae-heum strongly urge substantial revisions to the special bill on administrative integration between Daejeon and South Chungcheong, calling it essential for national interests.
Mayor’s Press Conference Remarks
On February 25, Lee Jang-woo held a press conference at Daejeon City Hall. He highlighted discrepancies between presidential statements and actual cooperation efforts, noting, “President’s words on cooperation differ from reality, with no proper response to integration initiatives.”
Lee criticized the bill’s promotion as a private member’s initiative, stating that opposition from the ruling party reflects internal presidential concerns. He remarked on a presidential office spokesperson’s X post labeling dissenters as “traitors,” saying, “Those opposing integration, including the ruling party chair, are close presidential aides. Labeling them ‘traitors’ shows a lack of proper perspective.”
The mayor emphasized, “We must select key special powers, substantially revise the bill in the National Assembly, and ensure presidential review. Even I, as a party member, push for its advancement.”
Governor’s Strong Opposition
Kim Tae-heum echoed these sentiments during a press conference at the South Chungcheong Provincial Office. He condemned efforts to frame bill opposition as ruling party resistance, calling it a “witch hunt.” Kim asserted, “Various legitimate opinions exist on the integration bill, yet only selected remarks fuel baseless attacks.”
He added that past bills succeeded through revisions and renewed discussions. Kim stressed, “The National Assembly must urgently revise this bill using the president’s special powers to advance it effectively.”
