Kim Dong-yeon “Seoul Mega City, Gyeonggi Province are political intentions to defeat Gyeonggi Province”.

Kim Dong-yeon, the governor of Gyeonggi Province, criticized the ruling party’s plans for “Kimpo Seoul Integration” and “Seoul Megacity,” saying they have a political motive to undermine the development of Gyeonggi Province.

Governor Kim stated in an interview with CBS Radio’s “Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show” on the 17th that the development of Gyeonggi Province is not only a growth strategy for the northern region of Gyeonggi but also for the entire country. He emphasized that it is an issue that the province proposed a vision and developed a growth strategy, and after collecting residents’ opinions, it was adopted as a resolution by the provincial council.

Governor Kim questioned, “What has the ruling party done about Kimpo?” He said, “If they have done nothing except suddenly announcing their intentions, then their sincerity and motives are very clear.” He further asked, “Who will take responsibility for the social conflicts and divisions caused by this, and who will bear the social costs?”

Governor Kim said, “However, if the ruling party has done nothing except for announcing their intentions one day, apart from what they are saying they will do now, then their sincerity or motives are very clear.” He continued, “If they are passive or negative about the residents’ vote, it is clearly for political reasons, and it will become a self-inflicted wound.” He added, “In a recent public opinion survey targeting the people, nearly 70% said it is an unrealistic election strategy.”

Governor Kim stated, “Regarding the issue of Gyeonggi Northern Autonomous Province, we have requested a referendum from the central government. However, there has been no response yet.” He said, “To process this in the current National Assembly, we need to hold a referendum by early February. For that to happen, the central government needs to make a decision by mid-December, but looking at the current situation, they don’t seem to be very proactive. There is clearly a political motive.”

He also pointed out, “I don’t know if the ruling party and the central government are targeting me or targeting the general election, but if they are passive or negative about the residents’ vote, it is clearly for political reasons, and it will become a self-inflicted wound.” He added, “In a previous public opinion survey targeting the people, nearly 70% said it is an unrealistic election strategy.”

Governor Kim also criticized the government’s passive attitude towards the extension of the Kimpo Subway Line 5. He said, “I have already submitted the extension plan for Subway Line 5 to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and its subsidiary, the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and argued for exemption from the preliminary feasibility study.” He further stated, “The chairman of the commission visited my office and said he would make a decision soon, but he has not made a decision yet. The central government, Seoul Metropolitan City, and Incheon City are not cooperating to make a decision on this.”

Governor Kim also pointed out the contradiction of the ruling party. He said, “Advocating balanced regional development and local autonomy consistently for more than 20 years is the consistent thinking of the government, regardless of conservative or progressive views.” He continued, “But now, on the day when the president went to advocate for local autonomy and balanced development, which is the day of local autonomy and balanced development, the ruling party adopted the idea of Kimpo Seoul Integration. Where is the comedy in this?”

Governor Kim stated that there was a significant difference in opinions from the beginning when it came to the meeting with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Incheon Mayor Yu Jeong-bok the previous day. After the meeting, Mayor Oh and Mayor Yu announced the discussion separately, and Governor Kim held a separate press conference.

On the same day, Mayor Oh and Mayor Yu also signed a sudden agreement on the transportation issue, stating that Incheon City will participate in Seoul’s “Climate Action Card” starting next year. Mayor Oh, at the signing ceremony, said, “For the benefits to be shared by all residents in the metropolitan area, the participation of Gyeonggi Province is necessary,” and he urged active participation from Gyeonggi Province.