Jin Joong-kwon Criticizes "Capital Relocation Is Not a Matter to Decide Impulsively"

Jin Joong-kwon, former professor at Dongyang University / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon raised his voice of criticism regarding the relocation of the administrative capital, saying, "Moving the capital is not child's play, nor is it something to be decided impulsively just to boost approval ratings."

On the 31st, former professor Jin shared an article titled "Administrative Capital, Maintain Seoul 49% vs Move to Sejong City 42%" on his Facebook and made these remarks.

He said, "So far, this agenda was hastily put forward as an exit strategy because Seoul housing prices rose, without any social discussion. There is no need to get caught up in it," and added, "The Democratic Party of Korea's mind is already on the by-elections and the presidential election. This is framing to secure votes in the Chungcheong region."

He continued, "If the Democratic Party candidate pledges 'capital relocation' in next year's Seoul mayoral election, it means there is sincerity; if not, it means there is no sincerity," and said, "So I think we should just let them talk alone, and if we judge there is sincerity, then we can accept it and make an aggressive counterproposal."

He also added, "But where do they plan to secure the required budget?"

Earlier, a survey conducted by Korea Gallup from the 28th to the 30th among 1,001 people nationwide aged 18 and over regarding the administrative capital relocation plan showed that 49% responded that "it is better to maintain Seoul as the capital." Meanwhile, 42% responded that "it is better to move to Sejong City," and 9% reserved their opinion.

Meanwhile, Lee Nak-yeon, a member of the Democratic Party running for party leader, stated that the National Assembly Sejong branch should be prioritized regarding the administrative capital relocation.

On the same day, Lee visited the Balanced Development Symbol Park in Sejong City and revealed a balanced development New Deal strategy, saying, "Completing the administrative capital means relocating both the National Assembly and the Blue House," and added, "We should first push for the National Assembly Sejong branch, which both ruling and opposition parties can agree on."

Lee emphasized, "Relocating the administrative capital is a path we must take. Creating a special law through bipartisan agreement and obtaining a new ruling from the Constitutional Court is the most realistic approach," and added, "However, that plan will also take time. Rather than focusing solely on that, we should simultaneously promote the establishment of the National Assembly branch, which is practically agreed upon by both parties, while working on enacting the special law for complete relocation and seeking the Constitutional Court's judgment."

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