Kim Du-kwan "Preparing a bill to relocate the administrative capital... I want to seek the Constitutional Court's ruling again"

Kim Du-gwan, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Kim Du-gwan, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced that he is preparing a bill for the relocation of the administrative capital. He aims to have the Constitutional Court review the matter again.

On the 21st, Kim appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "There are talks that the constitution must be amended to relocate the administrative capital, but it is also possible through legislation. Therefore, our office is preparing a special law for the relocation of the new administrative capital."

Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated in a speech to the National Assembly's negotiation group representatives the day before that not only the National Assembly but also the Blue House and government ministries should all move to Sejong City. However, a 2004 Constitutional Court ruling citing so-called 'customary constitution' is blocking this.

Kim said, "Yesterday, Kim Jong-in (United Future Party) emergency committee chairman said this is already a closed matter, but I think it is not over and that it should be 'newly started'."

He continued, "The concept of a capital has changed a lot. For example, Seoul Special City has become an economic hub like New York, and in the case of the U.S., Washington is the administrative capital, while Sejong Special Self-Governing City can serve as the administrative capital. Busan Metropolitan City is considered a maritime capital. There is no particular reason why everything must be in Seoul."

Kim added, "There is the aspect that a constitutional amendment is necessary, but also when a new law related to the construction of the new administrative capital is submitted, the Constitutional Court might evaluate it differently, reflecting the spirit of the times."

If things do not go well, he believes it will inevitably lead to a constitutional amendment. Kim said, "It is not easy without the opposition party's consent, so constitutional amendment is difficult, but on the other hand, for the future of the Republic of Korea, the main opposition party should be able to agree."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.