Oh Se-hoon, Kim Dong-yeon, and Yoo Jeong-bok “Mega-cities, but very sharp differences of opinion…”.

[iNews24 Reporter Jeong Jong-oh] Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon, and Incheon Mayor Yu Jeong-bok met on the afternoon of the 16th. They discussed various current issues such as the incorporation of Gimpo and Guri cities into Seoul, the Climate Action Card, and more.

Governor Kim Dong-yeon said, “We confirmed that there is a significant difference in opinions regarding the mega city issue. We only discussed the differences in opinions, and there was no significant progress.”

◇Here is a Q&A session.

Governor Kim Dong-yeon:Today, the three of us, the mayors of Seoul and Incheon, and the governor of Gyeonggi Province, had a three-party meeting. This was our fifth meeting, and we had many discussions on various topics. First, regarding the approach to opinions, we had considerable agreement on four areas: landfill sites in the metropolitan area, landfill management corporations, the activation of the Ara Waterway, and joint research and information exchange on public transportation.

Although we did not reach a final agreement, I believe that the three of us will meet again in the next meeting and reach an agreement. Since today’s meeting was organized by Mayor Oh, I will let him provide more detailed explanations.

Regarding the mega city issue, we confirmed that there is a significant difference in opinions. We only discussed the differences in opinions, and there was no significant progress.

-What do you think about the special law proposal today?

Governor Kim Dong-yeon:The current government is going against balanced national development. They are expanding Seoul, which goes against balanced national development, and they have cut the research and development (R&D) budget by 16.7% while talking about future investments. They also talk about carbon neutrality but reduce the budget for injection.

The current issue related to the expansion of Seoul goes directly against the balanced national development and local autonomy that South Korea has pursued for the past 30 years. I heard that a special law was proposed today, but they did not collect the opinions of residents or consult with local councils under the local autonomy law, nor did they prepare for a resident vote under the resident voting law.

We see that they are engaging in this kind of political show without any vision or content, just before the elections. The judgment of the people has already been made, with 70% of the people saying that it is unrealistic for the upcoming general elections. I believe that the issue will disappear not with the wind, but along with the general elections. I hope that the people will see and judge the path that South Korea should take and be aware of the political show and deception that is happening.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon: Today, Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon, the three metropolitan cities in the capital region, had extensive discussions on major issues such as the Climate Action Card, the mega city issue, alternative landfill sites in the capital region, and the Ara Waterway.

First, we had significant agreement on several issues that have been continuously discussed recently, such as the alternative landfill site proposal and the transfer of jurisdiction for landfill management corporations. In other words, there was considerable agreement on joint research and information sharing among the three regions to address transportation issues in the capital region.

We also discussed the development of tourism products for the Ara Waterway, which connects the Han River and the West Sea Island, and joint efforts to promote marine leisure tourism in the capital region. Additionally, we agreed to finalize the detailed contents of the alternative landfill site proposal and incentives and proceed with another call for proposals by March next year.

Furthermore, there are transportation issues between Incheon and Seoul. Regarding the Climate Action Card, there was considerable agreement, and there will be an event tomorrow morning to discuss the specific progress.

As for the mega city issue, which seems to be the main concern today, there were significant differences in opinions between Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province, making it difficult to provide a clear statement. I will only mention this much about the issue today.

Incheon Mayor Yu Jeong-bok:Generally, what the three of us discussed today is as Mayor Oh mentioned. The reason we are meeting is to cooperate and make policy decisions together for the residents of the Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province, and for the future of our country. We had substantial discussions today on environmental issues, transportation issues, and the activation of the Ara Waterway for tourism, without significant differences in opinions.

However, due to the current issues of concern and other factors, we agreed to meet again soon to clarify our positions. As for the recent discussions on local administrative system reform, we did not discuss specific details. However, since we have different approaches based on our existing perspectives, it is difficult to discuss this issue today. I believe this understanding is sufficient.

-Regarding the Climate Action Card, will Incheon participate?

Incheon Mayor Yu Jeong-bok:Regarding the Climate Action Card, I will provide more details tomorrow, so it is difficult to discuss it here. However, if it is in the best interest of the residents and improves transportation issues in the capital region, whether it is proposed by Seoul or the central government, it is appropriate to accept it. I will explain the specific details and plans tomorrow.

-(Regarding the mega city issue) You mentioned significant differences in opinions. Can you provide more specific information?

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon:The issue started with the incorporation of Gimpo City into Seoul, and we confirmed that our perspectives on this matter are quite different. Since it has been widely reported before, I don’t think it is necessary to repeat it here.

I believe that this is a natural extension of Seoul’s history and dialogue. However, Governor Kim Dong-yeon seems to perceive it as an impossible discussion due to the upcoming elections.

Since the starting points are different, it may not be easy to find common ground on this matter in a short time today. I proposed to Governor Kim that we will have another meeting in late December or early January, where we can continue discussions on the mega city issue and other topics.

-Regarding the special law proposal by the People Power Party and the goal of passing it in the 21st National Assembly, they mentioned that a resident vote should be conducted. What is your position on this?

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon:I had the perspective that there is no need to rush to propose the bill. However, considering the party’s position, they believe that if a bill is to be proposed, it should be done quickly. That’s how I understand it. However, I think discussions are necessary for the issue of resident voting. I have expressed my position several times. We need to have sufficient discussions on the benefits and drawbacks for each city, based on which a public opinion will be formed, whether it be through a public opinion survey or a resident vote. That is the proper order and process, in my opinion.

That’s how I understand it, and I am organizing my thoughts in that way.