Sangmin Lee: "Gimpo's Incorporation into Seoul Will Increase Property Value and Solve Commute Issues"

Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min pointed out the drawbacks of incorporating Gimpo City into Seoul but emphasized the advantages more, expressing a positive response. This supported the 'New City Project' promoted by the People Power Party.

Minister Lee made these remarks on the 8th at a seminar held by the conservative forum 'Meeting to Prepare a New Future' (Saemijun) at the Air Force Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. About 350 People Power Party members, including Secretary-General Lee Man-hee, Talent Recruitment Committee Chair Lee Cheol-gyu, party leadership, lawmakers, and party branch chairpersons, attended the seminar (according to the organizers).

Minister of the Interior and Safety Sang-min Lee. Photo by Yonhap News

Minister Lee first said, "(If Gimpo City is incorporated into Seoul) the drawbacks are that autonomy rights will be greatly reduced, and benefits for rural and fishing villages will disappear," adding, "There are also differences in local taxes."

However, he analyzed, "The advantage is that property values will increase. Because more local taxes on rising real estate taxes and income will be collected, a detailed review is needed to determine whether this will offset or exceed the reduced tax revenue," and "It cannot be said that tax revenue will necessarily decrease."

He continued, "The commuting issues of Gimpo citizens can be resolved, and there will be various opportunities," adding, "From Seoul's perspective, the activity space will expand, which can be a new opportunity for investment and growth."

Regarding Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon's key policy, the 'Establishment of the Northern Gyeonggi Special Autonomous Province,' he expressed practical opposition, citing the costs of a referendum and complicated procedures.

Minister Lee said, "Governor Kim Dong-yeon proposed holding a referendum, but a referendum costs over 50 billion won," adding, "A referendum should be held only when the division between northern and southern Gyeonggi is deemed reasonable to some extent. Holding a vote early and later finding it unreasonable would waste 50 to 60 billion won."

He added, "Dividing northern and southern Gyeonggi requires approval from the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, and even if the council approves, if the opinions of the numerous cities and counties in Gyeonggi do not align, a referendum may be held at the discretion of the Minister of the Interior and Safety to determine which does not reflect the residents' will."

Minister Lee drew a line by saying that while a referendum cost would also be incurred for incorporating Gimpo City into Seoul, there is a way to minimize the budget. He said, "If a referendum is held for Gimpo City's incorporation into Seoul, it can be conducted only in Gimpo City, and the Seoul and Gyeonggi Provincial Councils can substitute with their respective approvals."

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