Public Institution Relocation Post-Presidential Election... Democratic Party's Two-Pronged Strategy for Balanced Development

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[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Democratic Party of Korea is pursuing a two-pronged strategy: relocating the administrative capital before the presidential election and additional relocation of public institutions to local areas (Innovation City Season 2) after the election. Regarding the administrative capital, the party plans to prioritize a special law through bipartisan agreement, but if that proves difficult, they will consider a national referendum or constitutional amendment, aiming to finalize the methodology within the year. On the other hand, since the relocation of public institutions involves sharply conflicting interests among regions, it is considered difficult to decide the locations before the presidential election.

Lee Hae-sik, a member of the Democratic Party and the secretary of the Administrative Capital Completion Task Force (TF), said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 28th, "At the TF’s first meeting (the day before), we agreed that the additional relocation of public institutions is an issue recently reported to and being promoted by the Balanced Development Committee, and that it is difficult for the party to participate in discussions at this stage," adding, "The policy is to separate the completion of the administrative capital and the relocation of public institutions."

The administrative capital discussion is to be led proactively by the political sphere, while the relocation of public institutions should be based on government policies and drafts. Unlike the administrative capital, which is already designated as Sejong City, the relocation of about 100 institutions nationwide is a complex issue requiring sufficient time.

Lee said, "Considering the difficult experience of deciding locations during the first phase of public institution relocation under the Participatory Government, it will not be easy to decide at the end of the administration before the presidential election." Another Democratic Party lawmaker also mentioned, "We will start discussions on additional relocation of public institutions now, but the final site selection must be postponed until after the presidential election."

Regarding the administrative capital, given the extreme political confrontation, there is an argument that a national referendum is a realistic alternative. Former lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum, who is running for party leadership, said on Facebook that day, "Although there is a method to promote relocation starting with the National Assembly through amending the special law, it is not a capital relocation and major institutions like the Blue House cannot be moved later. The most certain method is to ask the people’s opinion."

The day before, Kim Hae-young, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, said, "Article 72 of the Constitution states that if the president deems it necessary, a national referendum can be held. The administrative capital is a major policy closely related to unification and national defense," and Sim Sang-jung, leader of the Justice Party, also proposed that the president submit the issue to a national referendum.

Woo Won-shik, head of the Democratic Party’s Administrative Capital Completion TF, appeared on MBC Radio’s 'Kim Jong-bae’s Focus' program that day and said, "(A national referendum is) a good option," but added, "When Seoul citizens voted on eco-friendly free school meals, there was a huge debate. If it causes significant national division, it could be problematic, so I think a special law is best, but we will not limit ourselves to that."

The Democratic Party believes there is considerable support for the administrative capital even within the United Future Party. This is also why they are hopeful for negotiations. Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party, criticized at the party’s strategy meeting that day, "It is regrettable that the United Future Party leadership is controlling the discussion itself, contrary to opinions within their party," and added, "Especially disappointing is the United Future Party leadership suppressing pro-administrative capital opinions within the party by imposing a gag order." He also said, "I want to ask what the common-sense and reasonable plan to alleviate overpopulation in the metropolitan area, which Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman, is envisioning, is."

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